Fortified flour for children’s health
The impact of the coronavirus has been felt throughout the globe. In Kenya, a total of 3,860 cases were confirmed, and 105 people have died, in the period of March 13, 2020, when the first case was confirmed in the country, to June 16, 2020. In such a situation, one of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable groups are the numerous children who live in children’s homes. These children depend heavily on well-wishers who visit them with donations. In addressing this challenge, the African Milling School donated 1,000 kilograms of fortified maize flour to two children’s homes.
The two institutes Amazing Wonders Rescue Center and Morning Stars Children Home in Kiambu County are home to 120 children, from toddlers to teenagers. On top of that, the homes are supporting up to 200 neighboring families with food packages. When coronavirus cases increased in Kenya, one of the actions by the Kenyan government was restriction of movement between counties, with the message that people should limit gatherings as much as possible. This placed the children’s homes and orphanages at a great disadvantage – it meant that they could no longer have guests or well-wishers visit them as frequently as before the pandemic.
Currently, it is estimated that there are over 3 million orphans in the country, 47% are orphaned as a result of HIV and many more remain vulnerable due to several other factors. With this in mind, when the African Milling School was conducting maize trials at the recently extended application center, The team decided to do their part in giving back to the society by providing the much-needed maize meal to some orphanages within the county of Kiambu. Maize meal, or known as “Unga wa Ugali” in Swahili, is a staple food in Kenya.
In collaboration with the Business Unit Special Grains and Pulses, the trials were conducted under very strict food safety and hygiene standards and requirements. Aflatoxin and all other quality tests were conducted at the African Milling School laboratory.
The children could not hide their joy at receiving this donation and the special meal was immediately prepared for them, which they truly enjoyed. “This may seem like a small drop in the ocean, but it is with such initiatives, especially now with the current situation, that we are able to create positive change in the societies we live in,” said Stefan Lutz, Head of the African Milling School.
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