ENAM Changes Children’s Lives

The University of Ghana, Legon is currently working in partnership with the Iowa State University in the United States, on the Enhancing Child Nutrition Through Animal Source Food Management (ENAM) Project.

The project is to help combat child poverty in the form of malnutrition and preventable diseases in Ghana and is receiving sponsorship from the USAID through the Global Livestock Collaborative Research Support Program.

Founded in 2004, ENAM is based in several locations in Ghana, at Navrongo, Techiman and Winneba.

The main focus of ENAM is to provide mothers and carers with enough information and money to care for the nutritional needs of their children. In addition to this they intend to use increased amounts of animal protein to combat childhood malnutrition and improve children's growth and health.

The Acting Director of ENAM, Mrs. Stella Amoa said to ensure the continuous progress of the cause, even after ENAM has run its course, the students enrolled the support of the main rural banks based at their study sites, who agreed to continue to provide financial services while also funding the education of women's groups.

This week ENAM acknowledged the contributions of the Akyempim, Fiagya and Naara rural banks based in Gomoa Dawurampong, Nkoranza and Paga respectively. Each received GH¢7000 as well as a computer and accessories. Also, a Yamaha Jungle Motorcycle was donated on behalf of the Women in Development Office, sponsored by USAID.

The ceremony was held at the College of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, University of Ghana, where Professor C.N.B. Tagoe stated that the donations would allow the banks to continue supporting mothers and carers of affected children nutritionally, educationally and financially.

He also praised the banks for their work with Freedom from Hunger and selflessly using their own resources for this cause. He expressed the hope that their gesture would attract other banks to support ENAM.

The Director of Akyempim Rural Bank, Mr Kweku Acquaah, thanked the University of Ghana for the donation of equipment and the work they were undertaking on behalf of the children.

“It is obvious that childhood malnutrition is still a common but unnecessary health problem around Ghana and the consensus of opinion is that more research, education and development activities are needed to eradicate this threat completely and create a healthy younger Ghanaian generation,” he indicated.

By Rhona Murray