Fundación A-Kasa: Empowering Families with Home Food Growing Kits in Santander de Quilichao, Cauca, Colombia

October 7, 2024

by Delia Visbal?

In this edition of our bi-weekly blog, we focus on Fundación A-Kasa, another organization that NEACOL has supported throughout the years and that is making significant strides in Santander de Quilichao, Cauca, Colombia. This article highlights A-Kasa’s home food production project from 2020-2021 and its achievements in supporting families with children with disabilities by providing home food growing kits and training for long-term sustainable gardening.

The Challenge

In many regions of Colombia, particularly in rural areas like Santander de Quilichao, families with children with disabilities face numerous challenges. Economic hardship and limited access to resources can exacerbate their difficulties, making it hard to achieve food security and self-sufficiency.

These families often struggle with inadequate access to nutritious food, which is crucial for the health and well-being of their children. Addressing these needs requires not only direct assistance but also sustainable solutions that empower families to improve their own circumstances.

Delivering a Sustainable Solution: Home Food Production Kits

Fundación A-Kasa has responded to the food insecurity challenge by delivering home food growing kits to families with children with disabilities. These kits are designed to help families create their own fertile gardens, providing them with the tools and resources needed for success.

Each kit includes essential materials such as seeds, soil, and gardening tools, enabling families to start growing their own food. The foundation’s initiative included the creation of a matrix garden sown with “Pancoger” food, which consists of fast-growing, nutritious crops ideal for local conditions.

Training and Support

In addition to providing the home growing food kits, Fundación A-Kasa offers comprehensive training and support to ensure the success of the gardens. Families receive education on how to plant, maintain, and harvest their gardens effectively. This training empowers them with the knowledge needed to manage their gardens sustainably.

The support also includes guidance on using the matrix garden system, which is designed to maximize the yield of nutritious crops. By focusing on both practical resources and education, Fundación A-Kasa helps families build a foundation for long-term food security and self-sufficiency.

Impact and Sustainability

The impact of Fundación A-Kasa’s initiative has been felt throughout the community. Families now have access to a steady supply of nutritious food, which is essential for the health and development of their children. The matrix gardens not only provide food but also offer a sense of accomplishment and empowerment.

By equipping families with the skills and resources needed to manage their own gardens, Fundación A-Kasa is fostering a sustainable approach to food security. The knowledge gained through this program will benefit families for years to come, enhancing their ability to provide for themselves and reducing their reliance on external aid.

Fundación A-Kasa’s work in Santander de Quilichao is a testament to the power of community-driven solutions. By focusing on both immediate needs and long-term sustainability, the foundation is making a significant difference in the lives of families with children with disabilities.

NEACOL’s Call for Proposals 2024/2025

Every year, NEACOL opens a call for proposals for organizations working to improve the living conditions of Colombian children up to 18 years old in health, nutrition, and education. This year's call for proposals has already closed, as we have received letters of intent and are currently selecting the organizations invited to submit a full proposal. The selected organizations will receive financial resources from NEACOL to continue their nutrition programs. Fundación A-Kasa was a winning organization in 2020, receiving support from NEACOL for this project. Visit the NEACOL 2024 Call for Proposals page to learn more.

In conclusion, Fundación A-Kasa’s initiative to deliver home growing food kits and support garden creation is a powerful example of how targeted assistance can lead to meaningful and lasting change. By empowering families with the tools and knowledge they need, the foundation is helping to build a more sustainable and equitable future.

Visit Fundación A-Kasa’s website and follow their social media channels to learn more and how you can support their mission.?

If you’d like to help NEACOL eradicate malnutrition in Colombian children in need, click here to donate. Your contribution can help many lives.

Thank you for helping us fight Colombian children’s malnutrition.