The Igwurutali community in Rivers State recently experienced a powerful initiative aimed at tackling child malnutrition and building resilience among families. The “Nurture and Nourish: Empowering Mothers for Healthy Child Growth Program,” launched by the REACH Nigeria Foundation, brought mothers, local leaders, health experts, and volunteers together in a single cause: to foster healthier, more nourished children through education, hands-on skills, and community support.
Addressing an Urgent Need
In communities like Igwurutali, access to nutrition education and affordable, healthy food options is often limited. These barriers can lead to malnutrition, impacting a child’s growth, immune function, and cognitive development. This event, crafted to empower mothers with practical, locally relevant nutrition knowledge, aligns with REACH Nigeria Foundation’s mission of reaching the vulnerable and addressing critical needs.
Through practical workshops, cooking demonstrations, and personalized counseling, the Nurture and Nourish Program sought to make a long-term impact. As one mother shared, “I’ve always wanted to give my children the best, but I didn’t know how to make nutritious food with what we have available. Today, I feel empowered.”
Empowerment through Knowledge
Throughout the day, mothers participated in workshops that highlighted essential child nutrition concepts, the importance of balanced diets, and how to address common nutritional challenges. The program also emphasized the importance of affordable, accessible ingredients, ensuring the information shared was relevant to everyday life in Igwurutali.
Health experts led practical demonstrations on meal preparation, using local ingredients that are both nutritious and budget-friendly. The mothers learned simple recipes for preparing balanced meals for their children, transforming how they see familiar, local foods.
Hands-On Support for Lasting Change
One of the event’s standout activities was the one-on-one counseling sessions, where mothers received personalized guidance based on their children’s individual dietary needs. REACH’s nutrition counselors worked closely with the mothers to establish practical plans they could implement at home, tracking progress for ongoing support.
This component is crucial, as it extends the impact of the event beyond a single day. Mothers left not only with new knowledge but with specific plans they could follow and adjust, making healthy eating a sustainable, achievable goal.
A Vision of Long-Term Impact
Beyond the immediate results, the Nurture and Nourish Program is designed to have a lasting influence on the community. REACH Nigeria Foundation’s emphasis on sustainability and empowerment means the positive effects of the program can continue to resonate as families adopt healthier eating habits. Community support groups, accessible online, also enable mothers to connect, share challenges, and celebrate successes together.
