b'I provide milk to the community kitchen and this boosts my relationship with the children and their families. It is something I am very proud of. PASCALINE UWERAand the monthly event is attended by a healthmajor food groups: carbohydrates from potatoes, facilitator, a trained community member who worksfresh fruits and vegetables like bananas and tomatoes, to mobilize the locals around issues like hygiene andand fats and protein from the cows milk and meat. nutrition. The facilitator supervises the kitchensNot only have mothers like Alphonsina noticed activities and advises the mothers on what a balanceda change in their own children, but they see it too in diet looks like.the other children as the months tick by. Having a In Rwanda, where 38% of children under 5space to build solidarity, to learn about the necessary suffer from chronic malnutrition, the Abakundinkafood groups, and to see, firsthand, the change in their Community Kitchen is vital.childrens well-being has had a ripple effect in the For growing children, a diverse diet is essentialsurrounding community. and includes nutrient-rich foods from a varietyIt helps new mothers and those who bring their of food groups, including grains, dairy, legumeschildren for the first time to learn how to prepare a and nuts, fresh fruit and vegetables, meat andbalanced diet, Alphonsina said. And they then share eggs. Limited access to nutritious and balancedthe knowledge with others who dont come here.diets can stunt childrens development, which canAs the saying goes, it takes a village. And the lead to behavioral problems and limited economicfarmers of the Abakundinka group are harnessing the opportunities as they grow up.power of community to improve lives and livelihoods Thanks to the Abakundinka farmers group, thefor this generationand the next.ncommunity kitchens plates are stocked with all the Beatrice Musengimana tends In Rwanda, only 19% ofto one of her dairy cows, children 6-23 months receive awhich she raises alongside minimum acceptable diet. chickens and soybean crops.16| HOLIDAY 2022'