ABC Development Promotes Better Child Nutrition Through Community Cooking and Caregiving Demonstrations in Port Loko

Parents and caregivers in communities across Port Loko District are gaining practical knowledge on child nutrition and caregiving through community-based cooking and caregiving demonstrations supported by ABC Development.

The activities were conducted at Malal Community Health Post (CHP) in Bake Loko Chiefdom and Rogballan Kasseh in Kasseh Chiefdom, providing parents and caregivers with an opportunity to learn and practice approaches aimed at improving feeding and caregiving for children under five.

At Malal CHP, parents participated in a cooking and caregiving demonstration focused on the preparation of rice pap, a food prepared for young children during the session.

A nutritionist from the District Health Management Team (DHMT) provided guidance during the activity, helping participants understand the preparation and feeding of the recipe.

The session adopted a practical approach, with parents actively participating in feeding their children rather than simply receiving information.

This hands-on method allows caregivers to connect nutrition messages with practices they can use within their own households.

A similar cooking demonstration was conducted at Rogballan Kasseh in Kasseh Chiefdom, where participants were presented with a display of food prepared during the activity.

The demonstration provided another opportunity for community members to engage with practical approaches to food preparation and child feeding.

For ABC Development, community-based learning is an important component of sustainable development.

Nutrition education is most effective when families are able to understand how recommended practices can be incorporated into their everyday lives. Demonstrations such as these create a space where parents can ask questions, observe practical techniques and gain confidence in applying what they learn at home.

The participation of the District Health Management Team also demonstrates the importance of collaboration between health professionals, communities and development partners in promoting child wellbeing.

Children under five require adequate nutrition and appropriate care to support their growth and development. Strengthening caregivers' knowledge and practical skills is therefore an important investment in the wellbeing of children and the resilience of families.

The activities in Port Loko demonstrate how community engagement can turn development messages into practical action.

By bringing nutrition and caregiving information directly to communities, ABC Development is contributing to an approach that empowers parents and caregivers to play an active role in improving the health and wellbeing of their children.

The demonstrations at Malal CHP and Rogballan Kasseh are examples of how collaboration among communities, health workers and development partners can help create stronger foundations for child health and development.

ABC Development remains committed to supporting community-centred initiatives that promote healthier children, informed caregivers and stronger communities across Sierra Leone.