A family’s journey from hunger to health
"After Evelin was born, I was so happy," says Cosmas of his little sister. The doting 10-year-old takes pride in looking after both of his siblings, but especially the youngest – who makes him laugh with her energy and mischievous nature.
But things were very different for Cosmas when he was younger. At just a year old he became malnourished. His mum Mary explains they lacked the nutritious food that he needed to develop. “There was no Maziko back then,” she says.
Helping kids grow up healthy
Maziko is the Save the Children program that’s helping tackle chronic malnutrition in Malawi.
The climate crisis, rising food prices and loss of livelihoods are threatening to reverse the improvements in nutrition outcomes made in the previous decades. The average household in Malawi simply cannot afford a nutritious diet.
But thanks to supporters like you, in the district where Cosmas and his family live, the Maziko program is taking a holistic approach to stopping malnutrition in its tracks. The Maziko program ranges from providing training in climate resilient farming and providing seeds for families to grow their own crops, through to a community-led group that empowers dads to be more involved in their children's lives.
Mary and Evelin harvest crops from the family garden.
Cosmas and his family are now putting this training into action, growing their own food in their backyard using seeds they’ve received.
“When the crops grow, we pick some and cook them. We’ve grown pumpkin leaves, wild mustard, okra and vegetables,” he says. “I feel like Evie is healthy because she eats [cornmeal] porridge in the morning before school.”
Life-changing help with cash
His mum Mary also receives cash assistance, giving her control over buying the things the family really needs.
“Ever since mum joined the Maziko program, she buys us soap, clothes, food, porridge, soy, groundnuts, food for the baby. Now we are eating better – back then we couldn’t eat porridge,” Cosmas shares.
Cosmas and Mary share a meal at home.
Recently, the family could even buy things like building materials, a mattress and clothes for Cosmas – so that he can continue to go to school and focus on his learning.
A healthy start in life leads to a brighter future
With help from supporters like you, the Maziko project is working with families from pregnancy through to a child’s primary school years and beyond, helping them to grow up healthy, stay in school and reach their full potential.
Mary knows the program has made all the difference for her children. “As for Evelin, I can see the difference because Evelin has hardly been sick nor has she been malnourished,” says Mary.
Cosmas is happy that his baby sister has a healthier start to life. Now Cosmas can dream for himself to be a soccer player – and for his sister to have a bright future too.
“When Evie grows up, I think she’s going to be a doctor because she’s clever.”
Photos: Sam Vox / Save the Children.