“Guatemala has one of the highest rates of chronic child malnutrition. Why?” Those were the powerful opening words of Edna de Morales, founder and board member of Fundación Puente, an organization supported by Kenoli.
The question is a critical one. Nearly half of Guatemala’s children experience chronic malnutrition, with even higher rates in many Indigenous communities. Poverty and inadequate feeding practices are important factors—but Edna and her colleagues believe families can be part of the solution when they have the right information, support and opportunities.
From a government program to a grassroots organization
In 2004, Edna and other courageous women developed a program to address child malnutrition under the auspices of Guatemala’s First Lady. But when the government changed, the program was shut down. They could have stopped there. Instead, they decided to continue the work themselves.
They founded Fundación Puente, with Puente meaning “bridge” in Spanish. “We are only a bridge with families,” Edna explained to us. “The families make the decisions; we provide information and training.”
This philosophy is at the heart of the organization. Families are not passive recipients of assistance. They are the ones who make decisions about their children and their futures. Fundación Puente provides the knowledge, skills and support to help them make those decisions.
The first 1,000 days
The organization focuses on the first 1,000 days of a child’s life—from pregnancy through the child’s second birthday. This is a critical period for healthy growth and development, and the effects of poor nutrition during these early years can last throughout a child’s life.
But Fundación Puente takes a holistic approach. Its work addresses the mind, body and spirit of both children and families. We visited an early childhood program where one mother had been trained in early childhood stimulation. She then trains seven other mothers—and sometimes fathers.
We watched two-year-olds happily learning about colours alongside their parents. The children were curious, engaged and clearly enjoying themselves. Just as importantly, they appeared healthy and well nourished.
Growing healthy food close to home
Parents learn about nutrition and what foods are appropriate for children at different ages. But knowing what children need to eat is only part of the solution. Families also need access to nutritious food.
That is where the agricultural team comes in. Fundación Puente works with families to establish gardens where they can grow nutritious vegetables for their children. We saw an ingenious gardening system that was new to us: vegetables growing in raised wooden boxes lined with plastic and protected by an overhead tarp.
It is a simple but clever response to difficult conditions. The system requires very little water—particularly important in areas experiencing severe drought—and provides protection from pests and extreme weather. According to the organization, nearly all the crops survive.
Good nutrition begins with healthy food, and healthy food can begin with a small garden close to home.
Women helping women build financial security
Fundación Puente’s work extends beyond nutrition and early childhood development. The organization also supports mothers in establishing self-sustaining savings groups.
Despite having very limited incomes, women meet each week and contribute whatever amount they can. Over time, these small contributions create a fund that can be used when emergencies arise. These groups provide more than financial support. They create a space where women can work together, share knowledge and strengthen their ability to make decisions about their families and their futures.
A bridge to change
It was deeply rewarding to see the enthusiasm of the children we met—and to see how many different pieces come together to support their well-being: early childhood stimulation, nutritious food, family gardens, parental education and women’s economic resilience.
Fundación Puente’s goal is to expand this approach to communities throughout Guatemala.
Their work reminds us that addressing child malnutrition is not simply about providing food. It is about giving families knowledge, tools and opportunities to create healthier futures for their children.
Some of the Fundacion Puente team with the Kenoli team.
Congratulations to the courageous women and men behind Fundación Puente! You are building a bridge—one family, one child and one community at a time.