No child can perform at their best without a balanced diet, which is why the school canteen plays a central role at ODEC. Malnutrition is a serious problem, also in the townships of Swakopmund. In 2015, 28.8% of the Namibian population was undernourished [Namibia Statistics Agency 2019, p. 55]. It is therefore our goal that every child receives a balanced breakfast and lunch every day, supplemented by a piece of fruit.

In addition to preparing daily meals, the kitchen is also available for special occasions, such as preparing sandwiches for class excursions. The kitchen can also be used by the community to offer cookery courses on balanced nutrition so that the children’s families in the region can also benefit from this knowledge.