Christine has been reviewing the menu at Mayega Children’s Centre. To be able to consult with children and staff at such a distance is challenging but through WhatsApp it is possible. In fact, we have been having great success recently with virtual Monday morning staff meetings. This keeps our sense of working together going across the miles.

But back to the diet! The first step was to appoint a food leader to represent the children’s views, while bearing in mind the need for a healthy and varied diet. A consensus has been reached. Less sugar, a preference for rice over ugali (maize porridge), sweet potatoes when available, and more variety of vegetables at the main meals.

Swahili chapatis are a culinary wonder and a preparation stool, rolling pin and thick frying pan have been purchased for preparation. It is possible to make them with less specialised equipment and here is a link if you want to have a go.

https://jayne-rain.com/east-african-chapati-recipe/

The news item ‘On Site’ on 070620 gave an update on the Mayega Water Project and progress in constructing toilets at Mayega Primary School. The second stage is to construct family toilets in each of Mayega’s sub villages (seven in total). This will benefit families and also teach building techniques for government recommended VIP toilets. It is possible for villagers to construct such toilets themselves over time, building bit by bit as funds are available. The photograph shows the early stage construction of the first toilet, partly funded by Busega Scotland. The Rural Water and Sanitation Authority is managing the work and a grant from Rotary International is providing the majority of funding.

Pamoja pamoja – forward together!