Micronutrients in Soymilk for 15,000 Kids-Orissa

Summary

This project provides 200ml of micro-nutrient enriched soymilk to 15,000 primary school students 6 days a week with 20 sets of non-electric equipment (VitaGoats) run by women's Self-Help Groups.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

The primary problem being addressed is malnutrition and intestinal parasites among children in rural Sambalpur, Orissa, India. Income security for unskilled rural women is also addressed. The primary school student beneficiaries receiving the enriched soymilk and de-worming medicine will experience significantly better health in terms of growth, academic capability and decreased illness; more likely resulting in fully contributing members of society.

How will this project solve this problem?

The enriched soymilk and medicine provided to primary school students through local food processing with the VitaGoat will provide a critical increase in protein and micronutrients, reducing disease, and creating employment for rural women.

Potential Long Term Impact

Over two years, the 15,000 children receiving the fortified soymilk & deworming medicine will enjoy superior growth and decreased illness. This will improve the quality of life for them and their families, and increase their ability to learn.

Project Message

"Since the school feeding program began, attendance at the school has gone up because the children enjoy the soymilk so much… the children are happier."
- Narendra Sewa, Teacher of one-room school, Bosenmura, Orissa

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a Microsoft Word file (projdoc.doc).

Resources