Mapuche nutrition education

Final PES covers the period 3/77-7/78 and is based on reports by the Peace Corps Volunteer and by the Chol-Chol Foundation (the grantee) and on field visits by Mission personnel. Although the Mapuche Indians, among the poorest groups in Chile, were taught the meaning of nutrition through attendance at nutrition classes, planted gardens, and learned how to preserve food, there is no concrete evidence that malnutrition was reduced. The Chol-Chol Foundation made an effort to involve community leaders in project activities, but more time is needed to assess the project"s multiplier effect. The project"s failure to achieve its purpose was in part due to unrealistic project design. Moreover, there were language barriers; a base upon which to build an understanding of nutrition was lacking; the frequency of classes (once per month) and class attendance (3-10 people per class) were low; and the distances between Chol-Chol and the target communities was too great and was compounded by poor road conditions during the winter.