Event Location: Kannagi Nagar, Chennai
Event Organizer: Beulah Savitha
The Child Nutrition Support Campaign held by Everyside Foundation aimed to address the critical issue of malnutrition among children, focusing on raising awareness, providing education, and delivering practical support to families. The campaign has focused on Kannagi Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Introduction:
Kannagi Nagar located near thoraippakam in Chengalpattu District. Despite the hopeful relocation of numerous individuals to Kannagi Nagar after the devastating December 2004 tsunami, many families, youths, and children still face challenges in meeting their daily life needs. In line with our vision of the “Art of Healing” health and hygiene campaign, Everyside Foundation is committed to enhancing the quality of life for the people of Kannagi Nagar. As a part of this initiative, we distributed dry fruits and nuts to the children in the Kannagi Nagar slum, aiming to contribute to their health and well-being.
Objective:
1. Raise Awareness: Increase public awareness about the importance of child nutrition and the consequences of malnutrition.
2. Provide Education: Equip parents and caregivers with knowledge on balanced diets, proper feeding practices, and the nutritional needs of children at different developmental stages.
3. Deliver Practical Support: Distribute nutritious food, supplements, and essential resources to families in need.
Strategies:
1. Media Campaigns: Utilized various media channels to disseminate information, including social media campaigns, and community outreach programs.
2. Collaboration with Schools: Implemented nutrition education programs in schools to reach both students and their families.
3. Community Workshops: Conducted workshops in communities to provide hands-on training, cooking demonstrations, and nutritional counselling.
Outcomes
1. Increased Awareness: The campaign successfully reached millions of people, resulting in a significant increase in awareness regarding child nutrition.
2. Behavioural Change: Many parents reported positive changes in feeding practices and meal preparation, leading to improved nutrition for their children.
3. Resource Distribution: Thousands of families received direct support in the form of nutritious food, supplements, and educational materials.
4. Community Engagement: Active participation in workshops and community events indicated a growing interest and engagement in the campaign.
Challenges
1. Limited Resources: Despite efforts, resource constraints limited the scale and depth of the campaign.
2. Cultural Sensitivity: Adapting nutritional advice to diverse cultural contexts proved challenging, requiring careful consideration and customization.
3. Sustainability: Ensuring continued support and long-term impact posed challenges in the absence of sustained funding.
4. Parent Incorporation: During the operation, it was found that many children come from a family background with parents facing drinking problems.
Significant Mentions Volunteers’ efforts in organizing and participating in various activities, from distributing nutritious meals to educating families about child nutrition, have made a significant impact. Their passion and selflessness have not only contributed to the success of the campaign but have also inspired those around them. Everyside Foundation has thanked them for them unwavering dedication to the well-being of community’s children. Their contributions was invaluable. Special mention to Priyanka, Suganthy, and Susan for their effort in Everyside Foundation’s Campaign.
Conclusion:
The Child Nutrition Support Campaign made significant strides in addressing child malnutrition
through a multifaceted approach. While challenges exist, the positive outcomes and lessons
learned pave the way for continued efforts to combat child malnutrition effectively. Ongoing
collaboration, adaptability, and sustained commitment are key to building on the campaign’s
successes and creating lasting impact
