Maryam began attending the academy in level one preschool in 2022. She lives in a rural community in Nicaragua with her parents and two younger siblings. From the beginning, her teachers noticed that Maryam was a sweet and well-behaved child, but she often kept to herself. She struggled with intense anxiety and rarely allowed her instructors to get close to her. It was difficult for her to interact with other students, and making friends did not come easily.
Our health staff worked one-on-one with Maryam and her family, ruling out any medical concerns that could be the root of her malnutrition and developing strategies to increase her consumption of nourishing foods. .
Over the course of the 2025 school year, thanks to a carefully designed nutrition plan and consistent support from the school psychologist, Maryam made remarkable progress in her health and overall well-being. She steadily gained weight, moving from a state of malnourishment to underweight, and eventually reaching a healthy, optimal nutrition range. This transformation did not happen overnight—it was the result of ongoing monitoring, encouragement, and a collaborative effort between school staff and her family.
Today, Maryam is not only thriving at mealtimes, showing a positive and confident relationship with food, but she is also more engaged, energetic, and focused in the classroom. Her improved health has had a meaningful impact on her academic performance and social interactions, allowing her to participate more fully in school life. Her parents have expressed deep gratitude for the dedication and compassion of the Student Health & Nutrition Program at Amigos Academy, whose team walked alongside Maryam every step of the way, providing guidance, care, and unwavering support throughout her journey to better health.
