MOTHERS EMPOWERED FOR DEVELOPMENT

In 2016 we worked for Guatemalan children from 0 to 5 years old to receive healthy nutrition, fundamental to reach their potential. With Food for the Hungry Guatemala, we empowered mothers to promote the development of their children in the municipalities of Nebaj, Cotzal and Chajul, in Quiché.

  • CASCADE GROUPS

    We focused on empowering the community, especially women as the center of their families, encouraging behavioral change. We formed Cascade Groups where we trained volunteer mothers, who replicated knowledge with their neighbors during weekly visits. In 2016, 51% of mothers participated in more than half of these sessions.

    We worked with mothers of children between 0 and 5 years old. We provided the tools they needed to improve their children's nutrition, monitor their weight and height, and create a proper environment for their physical, cognitive and socio-emotional development. In this way, we managed to reduce global child malnutrition by six percent. Thanks to these tools, women recognized themselves as leaders that influenced the future of children and became promoters of health and nutrition habits in their families.

  • ADDED VALUE

    With the Cascade Groups we promoted habits such as exclusive breastfeeding, balanced diet, and care during pregnancy, among others. We also developed capacities in women to respond to their socioeconomic needs and improve their quality of life. This happened in the Self-Management Groups, where they learned about saving habits, the generation of local economic initiatives and the management of resources.

    Another component was the support to agriculture to create home gardens. This way, we contributed to family food security and helped diversify their diet according to seasonal foods.