By Hanna Libre
Did you know that almost 45 million children under five years old are not getting enough food worldwide? In the Philippines, about 30% of children under five are too short for their age because of malnutrition. This is a big problem that affects the health and future of many kids and their communities. But there is hope! Volunteers can help make a difference by connecting people in need with the resources available.
Why Volunteer?
Have you ever thought about how you can help a child in need? Volunteering is a great way to support the fight against child malnutrition. Whether you know a lot about health and nutrition or just want to help, there are many ways to make a difference. When you volunteer, you can improve the lives of children by raising awareness, assisting with nutrition programs, or supporting families in the community.
How Volunteers Help Fight Malnutrition
Volunteers play an important role in many ways:
- Distributing Nutritional Supplements: Many groups need help giving out food and supplements to malnourished children in remote areas.
- Conducting Health Screenings: After a quick training, volunteers can check a child’s nutritional status using simple tools like MUAC (Mid-Upper Arm Circumference) tapes.
- Education and Awareness: Volunteers teach caregivers about good nutrition, breastfeeding, and how to spot signs of malnutrition. With the right information, families can make better choices for their children’s health.
Small Acts, Big Impact
Volunteering doesn’t have to take a lot of time. Just a few hours each week can make a big difference in a child’s life. For example, you can help with supplement distribution to make sure children get the nutrition they need to grow healthy and strong.
Sharing Stories of Impact
Meet Anna Liza Butones, a dedicated volunteer at Bountiful Children’s Foundation who has made a significant difference in the lives of families like Euri’s. Euri was born underweight and faced various health challenges, while his mother struggled to provide the right care. Through Anna Liza’s guidance—teaching proper nutrition, personal hygiene, and the importance of continued breastfeeding—Euri’s condition steadily improved. Along with these lessons, Anna Liza also ensured that Euri received essential food supplements, including peanut butter, infant cereal, and milk.
Now, at 5 years old, Euri is healthy, strong, and attending school. His progress shows how volunteers like Anna Liza can create lasting change. Her support not only improved Euri’s health but also brought hope to his family, showing the real impact of volunteer work.
Get Involved Today
Ready to make a difference in the fight against child malnutrition? Visit the Bountiful Children’s Foundation to learn how you can volunteer and provide essential support to those in need. Remember, every small act of kindness and volunteering counts. Let’s work together to end child malnutrition, one volunteer at a time.
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