Delegates to the AES+ National Workshop tour Holguin municipalities. Photo: Mariannis

WFP recognizes progress of nutritional project in Holguin

The World Food Programme (WFP) presented the results of its “Sustainable School Feeding (AES+) Sowing the Future” initiative. A project that has positively impacted the nutritional health of children and older adults in municipalities in the province of Holguin.

The presentation took place during the National Evaluation Workshop. Where participants visited the municipalities of Mayari and Cueto. To witness the program’s implementation and benefits firsthand.

Art and education to promote healthy nutrition

The meeting point was the “Leonte Guerra Castellanos” Semi-boarding school. One of the beneficiary institutions, in the municipality of Mayari. Here, delegates exchanged with students through artistic presentations and interest group exhibitions. Discussing educational tools designed to promote healthy and varied eating habits from an early age.

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Participants exchange experiences with children from the Leonte Guerra Castellano Semi-boarding school. Photo: Mariannis

Technology and Sustainability in the Field

Later, a delegation comprised of Etienne Labande, WFP representative in Cuba, and Maria Shurmina, from the Social and Industrial Institute of Food Services (SIFI) of Russia. They traveled to the Niceto Pérez Credit and Services Cooperative (CCS) in the municipality of Cueto.

There, the visitors observed the installation of a nursery house. Also a semi-protected area with an irrigation system. Both powered by solar panels. These technologies exemplify the resilient and sustainable approach that characterizes the project.

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Nursery houses with a solar-powered irrigation system. Photo: Mariannis

A multi-sector project with Russian funding

The AES+ project is being developed with funding from the Russian Federation. Supported by the Cuban sectors of Health, Agriculture, Education, Commerce, and the Citma (Ministry of Science, Technology, and Environment).

Its main objective, implemented in five eastern provinces, is to strengthen local food production. To benefit vulnerable population groups, directly connecting producers to the social protection network.

During the tour, concrete links between the social protection network. Such as the Family Care Systems (SAF), and local producers were established. The cooperative’s president explained how they systematically deliver root vegetables, produce to ensure food for these priority groups.

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Delegates learn about root vegetable and vegetable production firsthand. Photo: Mariannis

By: Daimy Peña Guillén