A Story of Change: Overcoming Child Malnutrition One Step at a Time

Apr 30, 2025 | 2025, Philippines | 0 comments

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By Hanna Libre, RSW

At Bountiful Children’s Foundation, we believe that every child deserves a healthy start in life. While child malnutrition remains a significant challenge, we know that change is possible through dedication, education, and community support. Every success story, no matter how small, contributes to the greater goal of improving children’s health and giving families the tools they need to thrive.

A Journey of Transformation: Jaivhe’s Story

One such story comes from Malasiqui, where Jaivhe, a young girl who was once diagnosed with Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM), is now thriving. Jaivhe was enrolled in the Malasiqui Program at the age of two. During her initial screening, results showed she was malnourished, but her mother, Vivian, did not give up.

Vivian married at a young age — only 20 years old — while her husband worked as a laborer. Despite the early challenges of starting a family, Vivian was determined to learn and apply what she could to care for her children properly. When Jaivhe was enrolled in the BCF program, Vivian eagerly participated in the health lessons and support activities. She shared that she learned many valuable lessons from BCF, which greatly helped her improve her family’s health and nutrition. Vivian’s relationship with the BCF coordinator was strong; she described it as consistently supportive, saying she was always updated and connected. With dedication and guidance, it took about one to three years for Jaivhe to achieve normal nutritional status.

Today, Jaivhe is around nine years old and doing well in school. She regularly attends her classes and is no longer as sickly as before—a remarkable improvement that reflects her mother’s dedication and the vital support from the BCF community.

In January 2025, a feeding program was held in their community, and the positive outcomes of Jaivhe’s journey were shared by our regional coordinator. It was heartwarming to hear about her success and the lasting impact of the support she received through BCF. Jaivhe’s story is a testament to the power of hope, resilience, and the role that community support plays in turning lives around.

The Power of Small Changes and Community Support

Jaivhe’s transformation is just one of many stories we celebrate at BCF. It illustrates the power of small changes, such as learning proper child care, providing better nutrition, and offering vitamins and supplements. These changes, when supported by education and the right resources, can have a lasting impact on a child’s health and future.

Moreover, Jaivhe’s journey also highlights the importance of community support. Tackling child malnutrition isn’t just about food; it’s about creating an environment where families, health workers, and volunteers work together to provide the education, resources, and care children need to thrive. By joining forces, we can ensure that every child has the chance to grow up healthy and strong.

Looking to the Future

As we look to the future, we know that stories like Jaivhe’s are just the beginning. There are many more families who will benefit from BCF’s support, and we’re excited to continue our work in communities across the Philippines.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you’re a volunteer, a donor, or someone who simply shares our message, your support makes a difference. Together, we will continue to create more stories of success, one small step at a time.

Learn more about how you can help by visiting our website: Bountiful Children Foundation Philippines