Nutrition Project

Today we spent time with Harry and Stephne, who live in Nebeyou's village. Stephne originally hails from South Africa, and has a heart for widows and children. Harry, an American, has opened a much needed eye clinic here in town, that is now run by local doctors and technicians, on the grounds of Soddo Christian Hospital (link with picture of Harry). Nebeyou had a blast playing soccer and running with their kids while we talked.

Nebeyou feeding a dikdik (small deer) on the grounds where we met

Stephne expressed her desire to see people fed nutritious meals. I've blogged about this before (link) and (link) and believe it's a critical need. Without nutrition, it's almost impossible to learn and work. I've also seen Mercedes cars parked outside of food aid tents, and so I can completely understand her point -- that a method for meeting that need should come from WITHIN the culture, and not rely at all on outside aid.

Working with local people, and vetted by nutritionists outside the country, she has developed with a high nutrition flour that can be made into drinks or baked into bread and other foods. The recipe boasts only local ingredients (11 different ingredients with various nutritional properties), has a tremendously long shelf life, and is processed without the use of machinery from other countries. The drink version of the flour fits within local culture, so there is immediate "buy in" as to it's value.

Factory building

Shower and toilet, awaiting doors

The local kebele, or government, has given use of land to them to build a factory, and they have begun with one building and a place for the workers to shower and change clothes before and after work, to maintain a clean environment. 

Though the food is affordable for the poor, there is a small profit margin built in, so that the process can be completely self sustaining and be a source of employment for local people. Additionally, people will be able to come to the mill and buy grain and have it ground, saving them the long trip down the mountain to the market. Buying grains in larger quantities will make the project even more affordable. 

Stephne describes the grinding process

With the help of donors, Harry and Stephne plan to help get the infrastructure in place and the facility up and running, then, transition it to completely local ownership and management. I think it's a fantastic model of how to help without creating dependence. If you would like to help with this initial, infrastructure phase, I can put you in contact with them.