Every month, Global Volunteers’ caregivers in the Ukwega Ward of Tanzania meet with families who wish to participate in the Reaching Children’s Potential (RCP) Demonstration Program. The goal of RCP is to eliminate childhood stunting in all five of the villages served: Ipalamwa, Makalanga, Lulindi, Ukwega, and Makungu. Specifically, families obtain the nutrition, health care, knowledge, technology, and encouragement needed to combat stunting, and to ensure their children can realize their full potential. We’re happy to welcome Fathanida Kimbavala to the RCP “family” this month.
Fathanida Kimbavala is mother of two daughters: Gladness (age 12) and Farida (age 8). She also has a stepson, Eddy, who is three years old. Fathanida completed standard seven at Kimala Primary School. She lives at home with her parents in Makungu village. She is married and she and her husband are expecting their first child together.
Fathanida, why did you join the RCP Program?
I decided to join the RCP Program because I want to learn from RCP. My sister joined the program last year and has been attending workshops. Her child is doing great.
What is your family’s source of income?
I don’t have any source of income. Sometimes we sell food to earn money.
What have you heard about the RCP Program?
I heard the RCP Program supports pregnant women and children to improve their health, and helps pregnant women deliver. I also heard that the workshops help families by teaching them things that are helpful in their daily lives. I’m very interested in the hand-washing stations and Rise Against Hunger meals provided by the program.
Do you have any health concerns? What are your hopes in participating in the RCP Program?
The main concern is that I feel tired. I hope to change my life in all aspects by participating in the RCP Program.
About RCP’s Focus on Stunting:
Stunting is the impaired growth and development that children experience from poor nutrition, repeated infection, and inadequate psycho-social stimulation. Children are defined as stunted if their height-for-age is more than two standard deviations below the World Health Organization’s Child Growth Standards median. Global Volunteers’ RCP Program is a child-focused, parent-driven, family-centered, and community-led comprehensive effort beginning with pregnancy and continuing through the 18th birthday, focusing on the first 1,000 days of life. Ending stunting is the goal of the RCP Program in the Ukwega Ward in central Tanzania. Learn more here.
You can help Fathanida and nearly 600 other RCP mothers learn how to enable their children to reach their full potential. Support Global Volunteers’ RCP Program with a monthly or one-time gift now, and join a future service program to bring important resources to families in the Ukwega Ward.
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