As in many of the missions of the MCSPA (Missionary Community of St. Paul the Apostle), in Muketuri, Ethiopia, we have dedicated great efforts to the development of nutrition and education for children under the age of seven.
When the MCSPA first arrived in Muketuri, at the invitation of the present Cardinal Berhaneysus Souraphiel CM, the local population was surprised that we focused on nutrition and education of young children, ages 4 to 6, before they even start primary education.
After drilling a well on the land donated by local authorities to the Ethiopian Catholic Church and creating a vegetable garden to ensure water and food supply for what would later become the St. Joseph Mother and Child Centre, we conducted a socio-economic study of a sample of 500 families in the area. This study provided data on the most vulnerable: women and children affected by malnutrition and preventable diseases.
In many rural areas of Ethiopia, children under the age of 7 receive very poor nutrition and are often involved in tasks such as herding animals – as in the case of boys – and fetching water, cooking, and caring for younger siblings – as in the case of girls. Many of these children survive diseases without any medical treatment and are often the last to eat at home, because, in reality, until they reach 7 years old, it’s uncertain if they will survive.
The first children who came to the Centre were attracted by the promise of daily breakfast and lunch. However, few people believed that such young children could learn much or that education at that age could change their future development.
Gradually, more families began bringing their children to the Centre, not only for the food but because of the remarkable holistic development of the children attending the school. During the closing day festival, 5 and 6-year-old recite poems, even in English, participate in fashion shows, and, most importantly, learn to read and engage in learning games that prepare them for a future education.
All human development professionals – nutritionists, psychologists, doctors etc. – emphasise the importance of the early years in human life. Brain connections that form in early years of childhood require proper protein intake and the necessary stimuli for full physical, neurological and psychological development.
Now, in this area, most families recognise the importance of this age group: childhood before the age of 7. Those living in larger towns, who do not rely as much on farming and animals but have small businesses or other professions, strongly desire their children to start school from the age of 4. Our Centre accepts 120 children a year, but the number of applicants for the lottery to enter is three times that number. Muketuri now has some private kindergartens, and the government has started adding a year of pre-primary education to its curriculum. The MCSPA Centre has been a model and reference in this field.
Little by little, the quality of life for children – and consequently the entire population in the near future – is improving, thanks to the emphasis on nutrition and education in the early years. We want to contribute to holistic development of human beings from the very beginning, during those early years when strength and personality are shaped. By creating a safe, healthy environment without distinction of sex, race or religion, we aim to bring good news (i.e. to evangelize) to so many people who still live in subhuman conditions.
Lourdes Larruy, MCSPA
Muketuri Mission, ETHIOPIA
