Amplifying Children's Voices: A Call to Action for Improved Nutrition and Parental Involvement
The inaugural Children's Nutrition Dialogue, organised by World Vision Central African Republic, was a pivotal event. It provided a platform for young people to express their views on healthy eating and contribute to the fight against malnutrition. This insightful event highlighted the importance of engaging children in combatting malnutrition and shaping future strategies. As we prepare for "Nutrition for Growth" 2025, let's champion children's perspectives and foster better nutrition for all.
The insightful comments from participants, particularly Maeva and Arielle, highlighted the critical role of parental involvement and responsibility, particularly in developing improved school feeding programmes.
*Maeva emphasised the need for parents to play a crucial role in ensuring that schools provide nutritious meals for children. She stated, "Parents play a crucial role in ensuring that schools provide us with nutritious meals. Their involvement is key to supporting our wellbeing and growth".
Echoing a similar sentiment, *Arielle highlighted, "We urge parents and stakeholders to take responsibility for improving and promoting school feeding programmes. Ensuring that all children have access to balanced and healthy meals at school is an integral to fighting malnutrition."
Alexandre A. Gassama, The Advocacy, Campaign, and Communications Lead of World Vision Central African Republic, underscored the invaluable role of children's voices in the fight against malnutrition and hunger. "Children's perspectives are vital in shaping our strategies to combat malnutrition and hunger. Their input informs targeted solutions and fostes sa sense of collective responsibility in our society," Alexandre affirmed.
The event, held in Bangui, Central African Republic, welcomed twenty children aged 12 to 18, creating a space for meaningful conversations about the future of food in the community. Bringing together participants of different ages, the activities included interactive discussions, sharing of ideas and collective reflection.
The workshop was designed to encourage the active participation of children and young people, facilitating age-appropriate conversations to share their perspectives, ideas, and potential actions to improve nutrition in their community. Emphasising the importance of diverse perspectives, the session followed to the Chatham House Rule, ensuring a safe space to share views,make new connections, and work together to identify promising courses of action.
This engaging dialogue has highlighted the importance of parental involvement and the need for well-structured school feeding programmes. In addition, children's voices have become catalysts for change, influencing policy and community action to eradicate malnutrition and hunger.
