In Menkao, a neighbourhood in the Maluku commune of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Maman Belbiche, a 30-year-old woman, lives with her four children—three daughters and a son. Her journey, however, has been anything but easy. Originally from the village of Inkene, she had to flee with her family due to ethnic conflict that destroyed their lives. They lost everything: their home, possessions, and land.
“When we arrived in Menkao, it was a fresh start. We had nothing—no food, no shelter, not even a place to sleep,”
Maman Belbiche
Every day was a struggle for survival, and in this state of extreme poverty, her three-year-old daughter La Grace began suffering from malnutrition. “It was terrifying. I watched my daughter lose weight and grow weaker. I didn’t know what to do,” she remembers. World Vision then dispatched community volunteers to screen children in the area for malnutrition. These volunteers, residents of Menkao, partnered with the organization to identify malnourished children and provide essential support to families in need. They quickly registered La Grace, who was diagnosed as severely malnourished.
The volunteers informed Maman Belbiche about a training program organized by World Vision. The program focused on child nutrition and cooking, teaching her how to prepare balanced meals with local products like soybeans, vegetables, and fruits. She also learned about the importance of hygiene in food preparation. After the training, Maman Belbiche immediately applied her newly acquired knowledge. Every day, she prepared enriched porridge and diverse meals for her children, ensuring they received a healthy and balanced diet. The results were remarkable. “Little by little, La Grace gained weight. She became more lively and energetic. Today, she is completely healed,” she says, her face
lighting up with relief.
World Vision’s support didn’t end with nutrition. Maman Belbiche also received assistance to start an income-generating activity. “World Vision gave me a sack of cassava and a sack of maize. I started selling these products and saving money. With this, I could pay for my children’s school fees, clothes, and supplies,” she explains. She also benefited from a savings initiative supported by World Vision. “Through saving, I was able to buy additional products, like palm oil, to diversify my business. This allowed me to increase my income and secure my children’s future,” she adds.
Today, she feels more in control of her life. “Saving has given me a safety net. Thanks to this system, I’m confident I can face unexpected challenges. I’m proud to see my children go to school, healthy and well-fed. My dream is to grow my business further and provide even more for my children.”
Maman Belbiche does not forget the support she received from World Vision. “If World Vision hadn’t been there, I don’t know what would have happened to my daughter. Today, thanks to their help, I can stand tall. La Grace is healed, and my family is much more stable. I can even save for the future.” She concludes with emotion: “Thank you, World Vision, for your support. You not only cured my child of malnutrition but also helped me rebuild my life and have a brighter future.”
Maman Belbiche’s story illustrates the tangible impact of the ENOUGH campaign against malnutrition and hunger. With the support of World Vision, thousands of families, like Maman Belbiche’s, can overcome malnutrition and rebuild their lives.
Join us in this fight. Every contribution counts toward a hunger-free future where every child has
the chance to grow up healthy.