The Strong Mom from Cianjur
For a child, their parents play a central role. Parents are the closest human being whom stay with them from early age until becoming an adult. A father is a child’s role model, and a mother is a child’s source of love. As for parents, a child is a VIP in their life. A small human being who needs their affection and love 100% in 24/7.
To be parents – especially a mother – is an irreplaceable experience. From pregnancy to give birth, nurse the baby until watch the child grow to teenager or adult – a mother is the strongest person who constantly support the child, no matter what. A mother from Cianjur, West Java, named Ia Siti (32) had an unusual experience, unlike most mothers. She strived to keep nursing her 1,5 years daughter after an earthquake ruined her home. Though the situation was not ideal, Ia Siti always try her best to take care of Aprilia (1,5), her most vulnerable child who needed a lot attention on her growth and development.
“After the earthquake, there were food for me or other adult family members. But for my youngest daughter, there were no food. My daughter barely ate. I can’t cook for her too,” Ia Siti said. Her home was severely damaged so she lived in a tent that was built on it. As a mother, Ia Siti hoped that her daughter still can grow and develop as normal as possible in this unstable situation. “I hope my child can go to school again. We can have a proper place to live. My family can have what they need. I really hope the best for my children,”. In this situation, Ia Siti felt really helped by the baby and children nutritious feeding program. With this program, her daughter had nutritious meals and she could eat twice a day.
Wahana Visi Indonesia had implemented emergency response at Cianjur, West Java after an earthquake happened in November 2022. In December, there were several psychosocial support activities that implemented, and also the nutritious feeding for under-five children. This feeding support was implemented in two villages. This kind of support is in line with the Health Ministry instruction on the importance of nutritious feeding support in emergency response situation. Nutritious feeding support can save mothers and children lives, also it can protect them from various infectious diseases which can emerge after a disaster occurred. Through this nutritious feeding support, Wahana Visi Indonesia is targeting to reach 800 under five children and distribute 16.000 nutritious meal packages.
Nutritious feeding for under five children is a very important focus in emergency response. A disrupted children feeding in emergency can cause malnutrition for mothers, babies, and children. It will affect their growth and development also. Right now, together with the community, volunteers, and partners, Wahana Visi Indonesia is committed to highlight nutritious feeding support throughout the emergency response implementation at Cianjur, besides the continuity of Child Friendly Space activities.
Writer : Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive)
