Tumi cried the day that she discovered that she was pregnant with her third child. Instead of tears of joy, she was thinking of how difficult it was going to be to make ends meet because of this pregnancy. Her husband is unemployed and she has been working as a maid in the surburbs. She will unfortunately have to take unpaid maternity leave and she may never be able to go back to work because she cannot afford child care. This impending absence of income threatens to exacerbate an already precarious financial situation. With meagre earnings, the family struggles to secure basic necessities like food, casting a shadow over their daily lives. Tumi’s visit to the clinic for her two-year-old’s immunisation reveals a heartrending reality. Her child is underweight, prompting the nurse’s advice to incorporate nutritious meals and daily eggs into their diet. Similarly, Tumi’s four-year-old son is also underweight, as indicated by measurements taken at the creche. Unfortunately, Tumi’s lack of awareness about the long-term consequences of stunted growth makes it challenging for her to follow the nurse’s recommendations.

The Larger Context

Tumi’s situation is not unique. In South Africa, startling statistics highlight the dire circumstances faced by many families. Disturbingly, approximately half of the children who lose their lives are HIV positive, while 34% suffer from severe malnutrition, and 30% are underweight. Hunger becomes an unwelcome guest, particularly during the last week of each month before special grants are distributed. A staggering one-third of children under 3 years old face stunted growth due to chronic malnutrition. Regrettably, the implications of stunting span a lifetime, encompassing impaired brain development, lower IQ, compromised immune systems, and heightened susceptibility to diseases in adulthood.

The Call to Action

Potential partners/funders/stakeholders/collaborators, our mission is clear. We are determined to be a catalyst for change, to bring light to the lives of mothers like Tumi and their children. We cannot let this cycle of malnutrition and stunted growth persist any longer!

Our Approach

By partnering with us, you enable a transformational journey. Your support will drive initiatives that educate mothers about the lifelong impacts of malnutrition and stunted growth. We will provide essential resources to vulnerable families in need. Through awareness campaigns and community engagement, we aim to equip mothers with the knowledge they require to make informed choices for the wellbeing of their children.

Together, We Can

It’s time to break the cycle and create a brighter future for Tumi’s children and countless others. No child should ever go to bed hungry. We implore you to stand with us, to be a beacon of hope for families teetering on the edge. Your financial support will be a lifeline, turning the tide against malnutrition and securing a healthier, happier tomorrow for the young minds that shape our future.

Join hands with us today, and together, lets redefine the trajectory of childhoods, one nourished life at a time.

Contact Us

For partnership opportunities and contributions, please reach out to Dr Rejoice Shumba on email – rejoice@siyakholwa.co.za. Your support matters more than you know!