Fighting Undernutrition Among Korku Children: A Journey of Hope

In rural India, many children suffer from malnutrition. One such community is the Korku tribe, where most parents work as farmers, laborers, or migrant workers. This makes it hard for them to provide their children with enough healthy food. As a result, childhood malnutrition remains a major concern.

However, the Sadaya Foundation is dedicated to changing this reality. In September 2024, the foundation began a two-phase program to combat malnutrition and improve children’s health at the Dostighar Centres in Patkhu, Raksha, and Adhav. Their goal? To make sure every child gets the nutrition they need to grow strong and healthy.

Phase 1: The Health Camp

The first step in this journey was a health camp held on September 11th and 12th, 2024, in partnership with Dr. Sophy T. Erniakulathil (M.D.). This camp checked the health and nutrition of children in the community, and the results were shocking:

• 77.66% of the children were found to be underweight.

• Only 22.34% had a healthy weight.

These results highlighted the severe issue of malnutrition in the community. More than just alarming statistics, it emphasized the urgent need for action to improve children’s nutrition and health.

Phase 2: Nutritional Program Begins

With the health camp’s findings in hand, the Sadaya Foundation moved forward with Phase 2: launching a nutritional program. The program kicked off on October 14th, 2024, intending to provide children with consistent nutrition to support their growth and development. Each week, children at the Dostighar Centres receive:

• Eggs on Mondays – Rich in protein and nutrients essential for healthy growth.

• Bananas on Wednesdays – A natural source of energy and potassium.

• Chikki (jaggery and peanuts) on Fridays – A delicious treat full of iron, protein, and healthy fats.

By incorporating these nutrient-dense foods into their routine, the children get the necessary vitamins and minerals to grow strong, stay healthy, and have enough energy for school and play.

Community Involvement: Talking to Parents

Before starting the nutritional program, the Sadaya Foundation held a community meeting with the parents. During this meeting, the health camp results were discussed, and the urgent need for follow-up treatment was highlighted due to the high rates of malnutrition.

At the Patkhu meeting, parents were educated on the importance of balanced meals for their children’s growth, immunity, and overall health. Special emphasis was placed on foods like eggs, bananas, and chikki, as they play a crucial role in improving health and supporting brain development.

The meeting was a success, with parents expressing gratitude for the information and asking for more health camps to keep track of their children’s progress. This valuable feedback directly influenced the nutritional program, ensuring it is designed to meet the community’s needs.

The program focuses on providing affordable, locally sourced foods, making sure that it can be sustained over time and benefit the children long-term.

Why Nutrition Matters for Children

Proper nutrition is the foundation for healthy growth and development. For young children, it is crucial for learning, physical health, and cognitive growth. The Sadaya Foundation's initiative ensures that children not only survive but thrive through better nutrition.

With this structured nutritional program, the foundation is helping children reach their full potential, both in the classroom and beyond. By providing essential nutrients, the program boosts immune systems, enhances learning abilities, and ensures that children are healthy enough to play and learn effectively.

Looking Ahead: A Healthier Future

The foundation’s work doesn’t stop here. This program is only the first step in a long-term commitment to improving the lives of the children in the Korku tribe. The Sadaya Foundation will continue organizing health camps, tracking nutritional progress, and collaborating with the community to ensure lasting change.

The vision is clear: create a healthier, stronger community by providing ongoing support for children’s health, education, and overall well-being.

How You Can Help

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these children. Here’s how you can get involved:

• Follow us to stay updated on our programs and track the children’s progress.

• Partner with us to help us extend the reach of this vital nutritional program to more children in need.

• Donate to support the foundation’s efforts to provide ongoing nutrition and healthcare.

By working together, we can help create healthier children and stronger communities. Let’s work together to make sure no child in the Korku tribe is left behind.