The first years of childhood are a critical time for health and development. Young children are especially vulnerable to malnutrition, undernutrition and infections that can lead to poor growth and difficulty learning. These effects are often long lasting and can limit a child’s potential to thrive.
I-KODI is working to improve conditions at the Konditi Primary School for the youngest children through our ongoing Early Childhood Development (ECD) program. We began with a plan to address overcrowding in the ECD classroom.
With generous donor support and input from the local community, I-KODI sponsored construction of a new ECD building on the grounds of the primary school. The building was completed in 2019 and currently serves 65 children ages 3-5 years.
The new building has two large, brightly lit classrooms and a third large community room. Just outside is a new latrine and hand-washing area to help promote good hygiene. The children are taught by three local teachers with special ECD experience.
We continued by addressing nutritional deficits experienced by the ECD students. In addition to a regular hot meal offered to all children at lunchtime, we added a mid-morning snack for the youngest students. This snack helps offset the effects of food limitations in the home and provides a critical source of calories and nutrition early in the day.
When combined with the current Lunchtime Feeding Program at the school, this ensures that the children receive adequate food and nutrition to fuel their learning throughout the day.
With your support, the youngest children at the school will receive a stronger foundation that will have lasting benefits in the years to come.
Please consider making a donation to help sustain this vital program. Your support is deeply valued and appreciated.
I-KODI is a registered, tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization
