Ngara, TZ – SODAT increases transparency and communication with communities – 15 Oct 2020

As the year closes, SODAT prepares for more parent and school meetings to help increase awareness and motivation for the school breakfast program. SODAT plans to discuss the 2021 plan, the expected results, and the gaps in the need.

SODAT reflects on 2020 and remembers areas where they’ve grown in inventory management and farming capacity for all schools. The lessons learned in 2019 and improvements implemented in 2020 were worthwhile. For example, SODAT learned that weeding is an absolutely critical part of farming in Ngara. In 2020, SODAT organized more diligently with the schools. They ensured that the farming schedule matched the school calendar so there would be no interruptions. Additionally, SODAT kept in lockstep with the school regarding the available breakfast and how to serve it effectively.

As a result, This year SODAT experienced health harvests and inventory management as well as increased parent contribution of Mukibogoye and Mukirehe. Using the insights of the past in order to improve SODAT’s current breakfast serving activities lead to greater insights for next year. For example, SODAT learned they need to have direct and consistent messaging to the parents to increase awareness and motivation for the program. David, The manager, believes that if parents knew what the inputs for the program were they will have empathy for the work being done at the school farms and with the breakfast serving. This will lead to more consistent donation at a time when everyone is feeling able to donate

However, SODAT is concerned that due to the ongoing pandemic and climate challenges occurring this year (SODAT is currently farming corn), families will also feel less likely to donate towards the gap.

Regardless, SODAT is hopeful that if they show how little parents need to contribute to the serving for the entire year until the next harvest, they’ll understand how small the gap is if everyone works together.