Magpakain Training: Paving the way for Zero Hunger in Mindanao

From 23-24 April 2024, Gawad Kalinga-Ateneo (GKA), in partnership with Gawad Kalinga Institute (GKI) facilitated a 2-day Magpakain Training in the Nevada Bicycle Club Gawad Kalinga (GK) Village in Brgy. Aras-Arasan, Cagwait, Surigao del Sur.

Magpakain (Supplemental Feeding) is a crucial component of the 5M Approach to Zero Hunger which aims to create ecosystems where hunger will find it difficult to survive. The other five components of 5M are Magtulungan (Partnerships for Zero Hunger), Magpakalusog (Health and Nutrition Education), Magtanim (Community Food Farming) and Magconnect (Online platforms for Zero Hunger).

The training brought together 22 participants including Gawad Kalinga full-time workers and core implementers from 4 provinces namely Socorro, Siargao Islands; Cagwait, Surigao del Sur; Butuan City, Agusan del Norte; and Mati, Davao Oriental. The two-day training session was packed with activities designed to deepen the participants’ understanding of the spirit and science of implementing large-scale feeding. Sessions included a mix of inputs from GK-Ateneo, hands-on activities, icebreakers and discussions which allowed participants to reflect on the unique situation of hunger in the area and share insights and design effective solutions and strategies to eradicate hunger.

As the trained participants return to their provinces, they carry with them the knowledge, skills and inspiration to transform their communities. They also take home with them the challenge to establish at least one (1) showcase zero hunger community in their province which would not only provide immediate care and relief for at least 300 children, but will also pave the way to create sustainable, long-term solutions to hunger and malnutrition.

To know more about and support Gawad Kalinga’s work please email gka@ateneo.edu.

Photos courtesy of Gawad Kalinga-Ateneo (For more photos, visit Gawad Kalinga Ateneo Volunteers Facebook Page.)