At Lilit Kindergarten, nestled in the heart of Gyumri, Armenia, is focused on nurturing not just young minds, but young bodies as well. Serving 95 children, Lilit is one of 24 kindergartens operating in this northern region, where resources may be scarce, but the commitment to children’s well-being is abundant.

Ashken, a mother of three, speaks with heartfelt gratitude about the positive changes she’s seen since her youngest, Arsen, began attending Lilit. Like many parents, she was initially concerned about how a modest preschool could provide a child with the proper nutrition. Yet, Ashken’s worries quickly dissolved when she saw the quality of the meals being served.

“The diet here is full of fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean meats,” she says, her voice filled with appreciation. “It’s so important for a child’s healthy development.” Every morning, a carefully planned menu is posted prominently on the wall of the kindergarten, giving parents a transparent view of what their children will be eating that day. Ashken is particularly pleased with the transformation in Arsen’s eating habits. “Before kindergarten, he loved chips and sweets, refusing to eat vegetables. Now, he asks for them and pushes aside the junk food.”

Beyond the positive change in Arsen’s taste preferences, Ashken has noticed a remarkable improvement in his health. “Since attending, he rarely falls ill, and when he does, he recovers much faster,” she adds with a smile.

Lusine, another mother whose only income comes from the family allowance, also praises the kindergarten’s meals for providing the nutritional balance her children need. She speaks of how, through her connections, she learned about the Growing Healthy project, an initiative by Armenian Caritas, which focuses on supplying children with additional healthy food, including meat, fruits, and vegetables. “This program has been a game changer for my child’s diet,” Lusine shares. “It fills in the nutritional gaps that we can’t always afford at home.”

The Growing Healthy project has made a tangible difference at Lilit Kindergarten, helping children thrive and ensuring that they have access to the nutrition they need to grow strong and healthy. This initiative, which is grounded in the belief that good food fosters good health, has seen impressive results: the number of children attending the kindergarten has more than doubled, from 35 to 95, a testament to the program’s success and effectiveness.

Through the dedication of Armenian Caritas, the Growing Healthy project has become more than just a program—it has become a beacon of hope for families in Gyumri, ensuring that every child has the chance to grow up healthy, nourished, and ready to face the future.