The diocese had set up many feeding programmes in the area, working with local health centres to treat malnourished children. When Eularie brought Cierra to her local centre, the medical team identified her as a severe case and recommended that she be put on a special diet. The porridge they used to supplement Cierra’s food is enriched with nutrients to strengthen malnourished children, all sourced from local ingredients.

The team also advised Eularie about how to make sure her baby had all the nourishing food she needed to prevent malnutrition, which is caused not only by not enough food but also by a lack of diversity in the diet.

‘I didn’t know the importance of vegetables,’ says Eularie. ‘I would only cook sweet potatoes and beans for the children. If I grew vegetables in my plot, I would take those to the market to make money. Learning how to prepare a balanced meal was very important. Since we changed our diet – and with the miracle porridge – all my children are healthy.’

Eularie was overjoyed to see her baby turn the corner. ‘I was so happy when Cierra fully recovered. It was a victory, a turning point for me and my family. Life started getting better.’

Cierra is now eight years old. She is healthy, happy and enjoying life, particularly learning new things at school. The Anglican Diocese of Matana has continued to support Eularie. She is part of a self-help group where people come together, inspire each other and save small amounts of money to support each other’s business ventures.

‘Joining the group gave me confidence,’ she says. ‘I can now do many activities. I have a kitchen garden and a plot where I grow vegetables and other crops. I have some livestock at home, and I am now a tailor. I was able to build my house on my own. My children and I made the bricks and we built it together with little support. I have learnt to do things on my own, and although taking care of the children is still not easy, we can live with dignity. My children are all in school.

‘I thank God for the blessing of waking up every morning with my family, and I pray for a good life for my children.’