Kisumu: Young learners from various Early Childhood Development (ECD) schools in Kisumu County showcased creative and child-friendly innovations, aimed at tackling persistent nutrition challenges in flood-prone communities during the Health and Nutrition Hackathon. The event held at the Ahero Resource Centre brought together participants from 10 ECD schools in Kadibo Sub-County. It focused on strengthening nutrition resilience and supporting recovery efforts in areas frequently affected by flooding.
According to Kenya News Agency, the hackathon was funded by the French Embassy in Kenya and UNICEF, and implemented in collaboration with the county government of Kisumu and the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS). It underscored a shared commitment to helping children, not only survive, but thrive and reach their full potential. Speaking at the event, John Awiti, Kisumu County Executive Committee Member for Education, Vocational Training, and Human Resource Development, emphasized the importance of community participation in child development. "We must instill sustainability lessons in our young learners to ensure they actively participate in addressing community vulnerabilities linked to climate shocks, nutrition, and education," said Awiti.
Maurice Anyango, KRCS Nyanza Regional Director, echoed the sentiments, noting that the ultimate goal is to help children "thrive, survive, and meet their potential." Kisumu County Nutrition Coordinator, Rael Mwando, described the hackathon as part of a broader one-year nutrition response program designed to reduce malnutrition in flood-affected areas. "Children became the innovators, translating complex nutritional needs into tangible and engaging performances," Mwando explained. These needs were identified through a survey that revealed poor dietary quality in areas such as Ogenya and Anyuro.
The hackathon featured five key competition categories including fashion show, poems, singing, creative recipes, and kitchen garden exhibitions, all centered around the theme of Healthy and Affordable Meals. Through activities like child-friendly gardening demonstrations and local, nutrient-rich meal preparation, the event showcased how empowering children with knowledge and creativity can pave the way towards a healthier, more resilient future for their communities.