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Kuychi Wasi: Better Nutrition, Brighter Future

Education and nutrition project
Project start: 2009
Local partners: Villa Marcelo primary school

Overview

Kuychi Wasi is a combined nutrition and education initiative aimed at addressing malnutrition as a factor contributing to low educational levels in Urubamba, Peru. The focus of the project is on improving Urubamba students’ education experiences through improved nutrition.

What We Do

Nexos Voluntarios (NeVo) began the design of the project in 2009 when it was proposed as part of the NeVo Social Fund by Villa Marcelo grade school, located in the community of Yanahuara, Urubamba. The components which make up this project are a lunch program, cooking classes, and management of a greenhouse at Villa Marcelo.

Objectives

1. Improve physical health, in particular nutritional status. 
2. Increase mental capacity and academic achievements.
3. Improve nutritional and gardening knowledge amongst students and parents.

Progress

Some of the advances made with the help of volunteers include:

• Initiating cooking classes for mothers.
• Initiating and improving lunch program at Villa Marcelo based on healthy, nutritious meals.
• Monitoring nutritional status of children over time.

Volunteering Opportunities

Next steps in the project include many opportunities for volunteers from diverse backgrounds. We are seeking assistance in the following areas:

• Fundraising
• Health promotion
• Greenhouse and garden care