Dreaming of a healthier future: Nutrition from a student’s perspective

Sandrine, an 11-year old student at Nyamibata School

Eleven-year-old student Sandrine smiles shyly as her classmates encourage her from the sidelines. “I like the knowledge I gain from school. My favorite class is computer science, since I like learning things I didn’t know, like how to type on a computer.” In the background, her school, Nyabimata School, is celebrating a Parents Day. Some of the students are singing songs and chants about nutrition and a balanced diet.

“I learned about how to make a balanced meal,” says Sandrine, “and that vegetables protect you from getting sick. It’s important to stay healthy, so that we can grow mentally and physically.” It’s the dry season, and Sandrine helps to water the vegetables in her school’s garden – her favorite of which is amaranth. “I also learned that I should wash my hands before cooking or eating,” she adds, “since that also prevents diseases.”

Sandine dreams of becoming a teacher and instructing her own students about nutrition. “If I could teach someone something right now, I’d tell them how to cook a balanced meal.”

Story and photos by Jessica Wright