Hens for Health                                          Bolivia

Bolivia has one of the highest rates of chronic malnutrition in children. Where many families live on less than $2 per day, the dietary intake of rural children often consists primarily of carbohydrates such as proteins and yams. Consequently, undernourishment can be attributed to a severe shortage of protein calories. Chicken eggs can provide needed protein and do much to improve the nutritional condition of school-aged children in rural Bolivia.

PCI (previously Project Concern International) has succeeded in changing the future for school children and their families with projects such as Hens for Health. Agronomists train teachers, parents, and students to build hen houses and raise chickens for egg production. These foods provide healthy breakfasts for the children as well as hands-on education in biology, nutrition, and conservation.
Surplus eggs are also sold to maintain production and to purchase foods to further enrich the diets of Bolivian school children.

How can children learn if they are hungry?