Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. stunting
    • ex. Poor nutrition can lead to stunting in young children.
  2. combat
    • ex. The government is taking action to combat air pollution.
  3. misinformation
    • ex. Many people share misinformation on social media without checking the facts.
  4. malnutrition
    • ex. The program aims to reduce malnutrition among young children.
  5. starchy
    • ex. Bread, rice, and pasta are common starchy foods.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

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More than 30% of children under age 5 in Benin suffer from stunting, according to the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition. Experts say it can have lasting effects on children’s brain development and health. The Beninese government wants to combat the problem and reduce the rate to below 30% by 2030.

Why is stunting common in Benin? It is mostly caused by misinformation and malnutrition. Many families eat mostly starchy foods such as yams and cassava. Many mothers who work on their farms usually leave their children at home until late afternoon. This makes children lose their appetite. Some families also avoid giving children, and even pregnant women, eggs and milk because of incorrect information that these foods increase appetite and make them hungrier.

Health workers are trying to teach families about the importance of nutritious food. A program launched in 2024 provides vitamins for mothers and babies, as well as hot meals at schools. However, health workers say progress has been slow. Experts say changing people’s incorrect beliefs about some nutritious foods is important for reducing stunting.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.

Photo Credits: The Associated Press

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Children’s Nutrition and Health

  • According to the article, more than 30% of children under 5 in Benin suffer from stunting. How do you think stunting might affect children? Discuss.
  • The article shows that the foods children eat regularly can affect their growth and overall health. In your opinion, is it easy or difficult to develop healthy eating habits? Why do you say so? Discuss.
  • In your opinion, what is the government’s role in encouraging families to develop healthy food choices? Discuss.

Misinformation

  • The article says that incorrect information about nutritious foods can influence what families choose to eat. Why do you think people sometimes believe incorrect information about food? Discuss.
  • The article says changing people’s incorrect beliefs about nutritious foods is important, but progress has been slow. What is the best way to convince someone that their belief may be incorrect? Discuss.
  • In your country, do you think misinformation about nutritious food is a problem? Why do you say so? Discuss.