When Rianne was four months old, she seemed to be normal and healthy. But then her development stalled, although she was fed twice a day by her mother. But the meals were made of just rice and water, so Rianne lost weight and was underweight by the time she was one year old.

She was lucky, though, as her mother received some training via a radio program and a local nutritionist. She learned how to make simple, but healthy meals for her children. That is what saved Rianne. She started growing again and developed normally. In a few years, she should be able to start school.

Millions of children in Asia and Africa do not get that chance. The lack of adequate nutrition in the first few months stays with them. Children who do not get enough healthy food in the first thousand days of their lives, suffer lasting damage, according to development experts.

“The decisive phase starts the moment the child is conceived and ends with the child’s second birthday,” said Simone Rapp from Germany’s Welthungerhilfe (World Hunger Aid). From then on, it is virtually impossible to reverse the damage.

…

“Educating parents, training teachers and establishing schools that take into account children’s needs in rural areas, must all go hand in hand,” Rudi Tarneden from UNICEF Germany explained, pointing to the organization’s “Schools for Africa” project.

…

Women who have suffered from malnutrition when they were children are more likely to give birth to malnourished babies, exacerbating the problem. Aid organizations therefore emphasize that it is essential to help mothers and provide them with all the information and training they need.

“Many women believe, a bowl of maize porridge is enough,” said Rapp. “But children need a different kind of nutrition. The problem is that the mothers are not educated enough, and it’s that ignorance that stands in the way of development.” she explained.

Germany’s Welthungerhilfe is trying to help educate mothers in Africa, Asia and Latin America by offering practical advice.

“In Burundi, for example, we offer cooking classes for pregnant women and mothers. We use simple, colored signs to teach women why children need a different kind of diet from adults,” Rapp said.

Many mothers would love to feed their kids better, if they had the means. But incomes are low and food is too dear. Markets, hospitals and other medical centers are often far away from home. Sometimes, tribal traditions and superstition keep the women from attending the classes.

…

“Many show an interest, but there are just as many who are very hesitant. Trying out new things is often not popular. That’s why we need positive examples. To prove to them that it works. In any case, it requires a lot of patience,” said Rapp.

http://www.dw.de/education-is-key-to-fighting-hunger/a-15504581