Introduction
As the world faces increasingly complex challenges related to food security and sustainable development, we must acknowledge and address the issue of food loss and waste to sustainably ensure a future where all individuals have access to nutritious food while minimizing environmental impact. September 29th is the United Nations' International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, dedicated to raising awareness about the global issue of food loss and waste and its impact on food security and nutrition.
At KIDS Initiative, sustainable food production is fundamental to promoting food security. We believe every child deserves a nutritious meal, access to education, and a chance to thrive. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at our projects contributing to communities in Kenya and explore how we are addressing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): #1 No Poverty, #2 Zero Hunger, #4 Quality Education, and #6 Clean Water and Sanitation while making a positive impact.
Giwa Farm Resettlement IDP Camp: Promoting Sustainability
Located in the Rongai District, Kenya, the Giwa Farm Resettlement IDP Camp is home to a community heavily reliant on agriculture. In 2018-2019, KIDS initiated the Food Security Project at the Shalom Primary School within the camp. This project aimed to reduce the cost of attending school by supporting food production for the students and their families. KIDS covered the start-up costs for fertilizer and seeds, leading to successful and sustainable harvests. Unfortunately, the project stopped in 2020 as the government closed the schools in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (KIDS initiative, 2016).
Looking forward, KIDS plans to provide support to restart the harvest project, ensuring that students and their families have continued access to healthy food.
Banita IDP Camp: Bridging Gaps in Education and Clean Water Gaps
From 2009 to 2014, KIDS took significant steps to improve the community's living conditions. They procured water piping materials and organized labour to install the piping system, granting the community access to clean water. Within one year, the community had access to education, housing, and crops for a sustainable feeding program, providing food for the local school and the surrounding area (KIDS initiative, 2009).
Ndii-Ini Primary School: Enabling Access to Quality Education
Ndii-Ini Primary School, located in Kahawa Sukari, Kenya, serves 1,445 students across various educational programs. But the financial burden of attending, including uniforms and textbooks, means children often miss out on school.
In 2015, KIDS played a significant role in supporting schooling for over 500 students. KIDS continued its support by providing materials for the school's water harvesting project, ensuring a sustainable water supply and a feeding program to provide nutritious food for the students (KIDS initiative, 2014). We understand that well-fed children are better equipped to learn. Our feeding program ensures students have the energy and focus they need to succeed academically.
Borokwony Women's Group: Sustainable Chick Hatching Project
In 2022, the KIDS Initiative launched an exciting project with the Borokwony Women's Group in the Lemolo IDP Camp to create a sustainable income-generating program. The project enabled the Borokwony Women's Group to hatch over 1,000 chicks every 21 days by providing funds for a chicken incubator and necessary facilities, creating income opportunities through egg production and sales. These chicks are used for egg production once they mature, and some are sold to community members interested in starting their chicken projects (KIDS initiative, 2022). These sales generate funds that can be reinvested in supplies, rendering the project self-sustaining.
Conclusion: A Commitment to Positive Change
KIDS Initiative's commitment to improving the lives of communities in Kenya reflects our unwavering dedication to achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. By addressing poverty, hunger, education, and access to clean water, we not only provide immediate relief but empower communities to build a sustainable future as well.
Join Us in Making a Difference
As we mark the International Day of Food Loss and Waste Awareness, let’s commit to becoming more conscious consumers and advocate for change. Together, we can significantly reduce food loss and waste, contributing to a more sustainable and food-secure world.
At KIDS Initiative, we remain dedicated to our mission of empowering communities through sustainable initiatives, and we invite you to join us in this important journey.
Support Our Cause:
If you believe in our mission and want to contribute to our efforts in empowering communities, consider exploring sponsorship opportunities and donating through our program. Your support can make a significant impact in improving the lives of those in need.
KIDS Initiative: Donate Now
To learn more about the global efforts to combat food loss and waste, visit the United Nations' official page: UN Food Loss and Waste Awareness
Together, we can make a difference.
KIDS Initiative
REFERENCES
KIDS initiative. (2009). Banita IDP Camp. https://www.kidsinitiative.ca. Retrieved September 6, 2023, from https://www.kidsinitiative.ca/programs/banita-idp-camp
KIDS initiative. (2014). Ndii-Ini Primary school Feeding Program. https://www.kidsinitiative.ca. Retrieved September 6, 2023, from https://www.kidsinitiative.ca/programs/ndii-ini-primary-school
KIDS initiative. (2016). Giwa Farm Resettlement IDP Camp- Shalom Primary School. https://www.kidsinitiative.ca. Retrieved September 6, 2023, from https://www.kidsinitiative.ca/programs/giwa-farm-resettlement-rongai
KIDS initiative. (2022). Borokwony Chick Hatching project. https://www.kidsinitiative.ca. Retrieved September 6, 2023, from https://www.kidsinitiative.ca/programs/borokwony-womens-group-chicken-project
United Nations. (2023). Food Loss and waste Reduction | United Nations. Retrieved September 6, 2023, from https://www.un.org/en/observances/end-food-waste-day
