Alstom Foundation and Helen Keller International support disadvantaged

November 19, 2014 | 15:25

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The Alstom Foundation- part of Alstom, a global leader in power generation, power transmission and rail infrastructure - along with non-profit organisation Helen Keller International (HKI), just stepped in the second phase of their Enhanced Homestead Food Production (EHFP) programme to improve food and nutrition for people living in Vietnam’s northern mountainous province of Son La.

The second phase of the programme carries four major targets, including improving year-round production and consumption of micronutrient-rich foods, reaching optimal maternal and child nutrition behaviour through communication and educational activities, bettering household livelihoods through generation of income and empowering of women in contributing to the improved nutrition and well-being of their families and communities.

To ensure Son La’s success for a sustainable future, Alstom Foundation is providing an additional €50,000 ($62,500) grant for the second phase which commenced last month and will be regularly monitored to ensure that these goals are met.

The EHFP programme was debuted in 2013 and posted a resounding success with over 200 households enjoying increased food production and diet diversity.

In particular, the women and young children were able to increase their nutrition intake thanks to the programme.

“The villagers were very serious during the training sessions,” said Henri Noirhomme, country president of Alstom Vietnam.

“Along with our partners from HKI and from the co-sponsors - the National Institute of Nutrition and Irish Aid - we witnessed the commitment and sacrifices the villagers made in taking ownership of their future and are heartened by it,” he added.

In addition to receiving agricultural training, the villagers were educated on the importance of nutrition, particularly for women and the young, as well as the production and consumption of nutritious foods through the EHFP programme.