The training held at the National Nutrition Agency Conference Hall was under the “Good Nutrition Starts With Me” Youth Initiative. The training aimed to equip the youth with the knowledge and skills to practice good nutrition as well as to promote it within their communities.
AfriCAN received a Grant from Rockefeller Foundation (RF) for the implementation of the “Good Nutrition Starts With Me” Youth Initiative Project. The “Good Nutrition Starts With Me” Youth Initiative is under Strategic Pillar 2: Capacity Enhancement of the AfriCAN Strategic Plan (2024 to 2028).
Isatou Jallow, executive director AfriCAN in her remarks at the closing ceremony said, when they thought about the good nutrition starts with me youth initiative and targeted the young people for the training, they had high expectations because they have faith in young people. Subsequently, she said they were not disappointed by the young people who took part in the training.
Madam Jallow described young people as the foundation for a healthy and well-nourished Africa, adding that, they have no doubt that they can do it collectively.
She expressed appreciation to NaNA and participants for giving their all during the training to ensure it is a success.
“Sometimes we lose hope in the continent because of all the negative things happening and forget that we have ourselves and within the continent to make it right,” she said while calling on all to never give up hope no matter how bad things appear.
She also called for the need to always work together, saying that good nutrition starts with oneself then to the community, country and continent.
Modou Cheyassin Faal, deputy executive director AfriCAN thanked representatives of various youth networks who attended the training. He also thanked the task-force for developing and reviewing the training materials as well as everyone who contributed in making the training a success.
He pointed out that the training was really participatory as everyone gave it their best.
He told participants that they will not only stop at training them but rather would build partnership and networking with them to ensure they champion the good nutrition starts with me initiative.
He observed that it is not easy to change behaviours but urged participants not to feel frustrated, saying: “we hope when you change, you are changing for a generation to ensure the next generation have a healthier and better nutritional status than the present generation.”
Malang N. Fofana, deputy executive for the National Nutrition Agency (NaNA) encouraged participants to continue using what they have learned during the training for the future of the country.
He noted that, as an institution they are happy that the training was a success, adding that the wind of change has started.
He urged all to continue the good spirit, teamwork and partnership, highlighting that they want to go far with the good nutrition starts with me initiative.
He also urged all to take ownership of the initiative and work together to strengthen and sustain the success registered.
Oumie Badjie, participant thanked organisers and facilitators of the training on behalf of her fellow participants.
“We are inspired and ready to be true agents of the good nutrition starts with me initiative,” she assured organisers, saying that was one of the most important trainings she has ever attended.
