Vicky Dropia, 37, a resident of Endrebanvuku West Village is a beneficiary of the Nutricash project funded by the World Food Program. Vicky was enrolled in the second cycle of the project beneficiaries and received her first cash disbursement in August 2022.

Speaking about the project, she expressed her gratitude, describing it as a blessing to herself and her family. “At first, we didn’t fully understand the idea of care groups but as soon as the training started, we got to understand that we were going to receive life-changing awareness,” she says.

Under the guidance of Save the Children and district health assistants, Vicky and her fellow beneficiaries were encouraged to prioritize purchasing nutritious foods for their children.

“We received training on improving maternal and child health through balanced diets, proper breastfeeding practices, and immunization,” she adds. One notable aspect of the program is the emphasis on community engagement.

Participants were empowered to share health and nutrition messages within their communities, promoting positive behavioral changes. Additionally, they learned to screen for malnutrition, provide counseling, and advocate for hygiene and sanitation practices.

For sustainability, the project also advocates for backyard gardening. Vicky took this advice and established her garden, planting nutrient-rich vegetables that would benefit her family’s health. “We were advised to pant nutritious foods and greens to boost our immunity and our children’s health so that they don’t fall sick often. I established a backyard garden where I planted cowpeas. I will plant more vegetables for my children to enjoy notorious foods,” she says.

Beyond health education, the project also focuses on financial literacy and empowerment. Vicky learned valuable skills in saving and investing, which significantly reduced her family’s poverty levels. Utilizing her savings, she ventured into pig rearing, generating additional income to support her family’s needs. The impact of the Nutricash project on Vicky’s family is profound.

Her child is healthier and financial stability has brought newfound harmony to their household, with her husband fully supportive of their participation in project activities.