GENKIプログラム対象校にて第3回目の身体測定を実施
【2017年7月の活動報告】
1. Conducted the 3rd body measurement
Physical measurements are taken every 6 months to understand the effects of distributing Euglena cookies under the GENKI program and changes in children's health status. This test measures height, weight, grip strength, jumping power, and upper arm circumference. This was the third physical measurement, so the children were also taking measurements in a relaxed atmosphere.
Eighty-five children from the OBAT English Medium School attended. From the 10 second graders, there was a unique proposal to compete for test results to see who could fly the highest, and we competed for jumping power with the consent of the teachers. The girl who finished first didn't think she could win, but she was very proud. The physical examination of the GENKI program seems to be a fun event for children.
Photo-1: Jumping force measurement popular with children
2. Measures against leaks in cookie storage during the rainy season
In Bangladesh, the rainy season is from mid-May to mid-October, and July is the wettest month.
During this period, heavy rains cause frequent flood damage, which is a major obstacle to daily life.
At 39 schools covered by this program, we take measures to prevent rain leaks so that the stock of cookies stored at the school does not get wet. During daily visits, staff check the vault, repair areas that are likely to leak, and evacuate cookie stock to a safe place in advance in case of flooding. Cooperation with teachers is indispensable for such work, and we plan to continue to cooperate in taking measures for the rainy season.
Photo-2: Flooded road
Photo-3: Move cookies in storage to higher places
3. Implementation of workshops on water and sanitation
GENKI program staff visits 3 to 6 schools a day. At the time of the visit, we utilize the children's self-study time to hold seminars on water and sanitation. This class was held in 1 to 3 classes a day, and last month it was held in about 45 classes. The content consists of two parts. The first time, "the importance of using safe water supply" is conveyed, and the second time, "hand washing instruction" is given.
Bangladesh has well-developed and undeveloped water supplies. Especially in slums, the only water supply that is maintained is the common water supply used by more than 20 households, and in many cases the water supply that is maintained is far from home. As a result, most children drink water from undeveloped taps and suffer from chronic diarrhea. In the first class, we will explain that repeated diarrhea can lead to malnutrition and instruct you to always use the well-maintained water supply. In the second session, it is important to look back on the first class, confirm how much you remembered the previous content in the form of a question, and give guidance on hand washing before meals and after the toilet to prevent infectious diseases. I will tell you.
Since children do not have a habit of washing their hands and often suffer from chronic diarrhea from an early age, some children do not have the subjective symptoms of diarrhea and do not listen to it seriously. In order to make people aware of this as a familiar problem, we give detailed explanations every time, such as talking about a child of the same age who became malnourished due to diarrhea. By repeating this course, all children will drink safe water and get into the habit of thoroughly washing their hands, so that the number of children suffering from chronic diarrhea will be reduced to less than half. This is the goal of this workshop.
Photo-4: Children taking the course
4. Job introduction of local staff Mostak
This month, I would like to introduce the work of the local staff, Mostak. He joined the company last November. When I was a student, I volunteered to solve nutritional problems for children, and contributed to newspapers and magazines. Currently, my main job is to visit schools, identify problems from conversations with children and teachers, and work to improve the problems.
One of the problems many schools have today is low attendance. Thirty to forty percent of all children are unable to come to school every day because of their mother's internal employment or helping with household chores. He asks the teacher in detail why the children are unable to attend school, and together he thinks about how to increase the attendance rate as much as possible and comes up with ideas. In addition, I am also focusing on food education seminars by making use of my experience as a student. In addition to regular school visits, we visit 3-4 classes once a week to teach the importance of continuing to eat Euglena It's not easy to get all the children in the slums to understand the benefits of eating Euglena cookies instead of the town's candy, but by continuing these activities, everyone will be nourished. He understands the importance and hopes that he will grow up healthy.
Photo-5: Interaction with children during school visits
Thank you for your continued support.
Euglena Co., Ltd.
Overseas Business Development Department / Bangladesh Office