Healthy Children Learn Better
A child cannot learn when they are hungry or ill.
In the rural villages of Upper Egypt, the cycle of poverty and limited development begins with basic health challenges. When children suffer from anemia and malnutrition—as over 1,360 students in our program did in 2022—their ability to concentrate, participate, and absorb knowledge is significantly compromised. A child struggling with health issues misses school more frequently, cannot focus during lessons, and loses the opportunity to build the foundation for a self-reliant future.
We believe that quality education must address the whole child—mind and body. By breaking the cycle of poor nutrition and preventable illness, we don’t just improve test scores; we transform lives and strengthen entire communities for generations to come.
A Community-Driven Health Approach
PACHE, in partnership with the Association of Upper Egypt for Education and Development (AUEED), co-finances the School Health Program (SHP) which addresses health challenges through a holistic, community-driven approach:
- Preventive and diagnostic care: We identify health issues before they become barriers to learning
- Nutrition intervention: We provide balanced meals to those who need them most
- Child-to-Child methodology: We empower children themselves as agents of change
- Community involvement: We engage parents and teachers in creating healthier environments
- Sustainable practices: We build local capacity to maintain health improvements
This integrated approach ensures that health improvements extend beyond the school walls into families and the broader community.
Making a Direct Difference
Our School Health Program serves approximately 5,600 students yearly, with targeted interventions for those most in need:
Medical Check-up & Blood Analysis
- All students receive comprehensive medical examinations at the beginning of each school year
- Blood analysis identifies students with anemia (Hemoglobin < 11.5)
- In 2022, 1,360 students were identified as suffering from anemia
- Follow-up checks and consultations with nutritionists ensure continuous improvement
Nutrition and Medications
- Three nutritious hot meals provided weekly to anemic and malnourished students
- Meals continue even when schools are closed, ensuring consistent nutrition
- Essential medications and supplements distributed according to nutritionist-designed plans
- Meal programs directly address the 18% funding gap in education costs that AUEED faces
Children and Parents Activities
- Engaging activities create awareness about healthy living and eating habits
- The Child-to-Child approach empowers students as agents of change
- Groups of 25 students per school meet weekly to:
- Identify major health problems
- Collect information
- Plan interventions
- Implement solutions
- Evaluate results
- Plan for new interventions
- Students create visual aids with health messages including posters, drawings, calendars, songs, and drama
Health Camps
- Interactive camps bring together students from different communities
- Children exchange experiences and plan community health campaigns
- Camps foster leadership skills while addressing health challenges
Training, Follow-up and Implementation
- Schools develop annual plans and budgets with local supervisors
- Regular training builds capacity at the school level
- Ongoing monitoring ensures effective implementation
- Final reports measure progress and identify future needs
Support This Vital Work
Your tax-deductible contribution to PACHE’s School Health Program directly impacts children’s ability to learn and thrive. By addressing basic health and nutrition needs, your donation creates the foundation for educational success and lifelong well-being.