Are you teaching your children about a good breakfast?
Thembile Nyathi, an 11-year-old learner at Leresche Primary in Orlando East, Soweto, has captured hearts and brought smiles to faces with his heart-warming interview of his father, as part of the Rama Good Breakfast Programme. In this video, Thembile’s father, Silingo, candidly discusses his breakfast choices, highlighting the significance of a nutritious morning meal.
Thembile’s interview with his father serves as a powerful reminder of the pivotal role parents play in nurturing good nutritional habits in their children. Silingo’s sincere testimonial underscores the importance of breakfast, especially for young minds and bodies.
Breakfast is often called ‘the most important meal of the day, yet according to The Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa, nearly 1 in 5 South African children skip it before going to school. This may be because they aren’t hungry, wake up too late, or because people at home aren’t having breakfast. Claire Storm, Rama Good Breakfast Programme Manager, says that it was for this reason that the Rama Good Breakfast Programme was launched in 2017. She elaborates that the program is a 21-day behaviour change initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Department of Basic Education, and aimed at educating young children about healthier breakfast choices through interactive activities.
“At Rama, our commitment to nutritional education stems from our belief that it takes a village to raise a child,” Storm explains. “This deep sense of responsibility drives our commitment to helping to improve the health and wellbeing of more children, so that they achieve better academic outcomes, and fulfil their dreams! However, witnessing the heart-warming interaction between Thembile and his father, Silingo, serves as a poignant reminder of the vital role that parents play in this journey too,” she adds.
As South Africa prepares to celebrate National Nutrition Week from 9th to 15th October, Storm offers valuable insights into what parents and caregivers can teach their children about breakfast:
1. Why should you eat breakfast?
Without a good breakfast, you may experience reduced energy levels and could find it challenging to actively engage, absorb knowledge, and maintain focus in the classroom (even if your overall diet is healthy).
2. What constitutes a ‘good breakfast’?
A good breakfast should contain choices from the five food groups:
- Protein: Found in eggs, milk, yoghurt, beans, nuts, soya, and meat
- Grains and Starchy foods: Oats, creamy mealie meal porridge, brown bread
- Fruits and vegetables: Bananas, apples, tomatoes, oranges, and pears
- Fats and oils: Opt for healthy fats such as Rama, peanut butter, avocado
- Water: Encourage your children to drink plenty of clean, safe water or unsweetened juice. Water is essential for the proper function of every cell in your body and plays a vital role in temperature regulation.
3. What is an example of a ‘good breakfast’?
For a nutritious breakfast, try this: Bread (or Toast) with Rama + egg + fruit + tea with milk or porridge with Rama + glass of milk + fruit
“Our hope is that Thembile Nyati’s interview with his father will not only warm the hearts of viewers but also ignite conversations between parent and child about making nutritious breakfast choices, setting the stage for a promising and healthier future,” Storm concludes.
For more information about the Rama Good Breakfast Programme, please visit https://rama.co.za/the-rama-good-breakfast-programme/