This initiative is especially crucial in a country like South Africa, where one in four children under the age of five suffer from chronic malnutrition, leading to stunted growth. Malnutrition affects not only physical development but also brain growth, with long-term consequences for a child’s ability to learn and thrive.
KET’s feeding scheme has had a significant positive impact, as confirmed by this year’s Early Learning Outcomes Measurement (ELOM) results. The study found that 99% of children in KET’s sample group showed normal height for their age, a notable improvement from 92% in 2022. Only 1% of children were identified as showing moderately stunted growth, compared to 8% in 2022 – a clear indication of the scheme’s effectiveness in combating malnutrition.
The ability to ensure that children in South Africa’s most vulnerable communities receive the nutrition they need is a privilege – and one that would not be possible without the support of our generous sponsors, Le Creuset and The Rotary Club of Knysna. Their commitment to this cause helps not only to feed hungry children but also to address a major barrier to preschool enrolment. For many families living below the poverty line, the inability to provide a meal for their child is a key factor in their decision not to send them to preschool. By providing nutritious meals, KET removes this barrier, giving children the chance to access education and a better future.