Meeting the Nutritional Needs of Hundreds of ECE Children Through Nutritious Breakfasts from Obor Berkat Indonesia
As of November 2024, 170 children aged 3-6 years from 8 Super5 Early Childhood Education (ECE) in East Nusa Tenggara, Nias, and the Riau Islands have received nutritional support through nutritious breakfasts every morning.
The nutritious breakfast project, which we began in September 2024 at ECE BNKP Jemaat Hiligeo Mazingo in Nias, has helped 35 children receive balanced nutrition with breakfast five times a week. The varied menu, including rice with side dishes and vegetables, eggs and milk, porridge, bread, and fruit, has made the children excited to finish their breakfast.
Thanks to this nutritious breakfast program, a child named Marihot (5 years old) has seen significant improvements in his weight. Before the program, this little boy, called Rihot, weighed only 12 kilograms, far from the ideal weight for a 5-year-old boy, which should be between 14-24 kg. Due to the family’s limited finances, Rihot and his younger sibling rarely drank milk or had healthy breakfasts. When asked if he had milk at home, Rihot simply shook his head, saying, “My mom can’t buy milk because there’s no money.” His parents, rubber farmers with an uncertain income, could only provide rice and salted fish for meals.
Every day, Rihot had to walk 3 kilometers to school on an empty stomach, which often left him tired and unmotivated in class.
“We usually leave at 6 a.m. and arrive at school by 7.30 a.m, because Rihot is still small and walks slowly. By the time we reach school, Rihot is tired and no longer enthusiastic,” said his mother.
However, after receiving nutritious breakfasts, his weight increased from 12 kg to 14 kg, and his height grew from 98 cm to 100 cm. With sufficient nutrition, Rihot is now more energetic and active in class.
Rihot’s parents are grateful for OBI’s support. “Without OBI’s help, I wouldn’t be able to provide proper nutrition for Rihot. Thank you, and may God bless the kindness you’ve given,” said his mother.
Thank you OBI Partners, your helping hand is a source of hope for many children to get daily nutritional fulfilment. Let’s continue to support in realising this great mission.
