How far can $10 go? For Bitina Yona, a 40-year-old widow from Njala Village in Malawi, it marked the first step toward breaking a generational cycle of hunger.
Born into poverty, married at 14, and widowed while raising her children, Bitina’s story reflects the challenges faced by many girls and women across rural Malawi, where poverty and malnutrition are passed from one generation to the next. In a country where over 500,000 children under five suffer from malnutrition, these cycles of hardship are deeply entrenched, underscoring the need for sustainable solutions that address hunger at its roots.
For Bitina, that first step of hope came in 2019 through a small loan from a Village Savings and Loan (VSL) group, facilitated by The Hunger Project.
“I began saving and eventually accessed a loan of $10,” Bitina recalls, “kickstarting a food business selling fritters at local markets.” Her fritter business quickly became a success. “Through diligent saving and hard work, I accrued $160 in the first cycle, which I used to invest in bricks to build a new home.”
By the end of 2022, Bitina’s determination had paid off. With dividends of $300 from her VSL group, she purchased corrugated iron sheets to upgrade her home, and soon, she was able to send her children to school with her earnings. Bitina’s journey is one of thousands, made possible by The Hunger Project’s commitment to empowering women through nutrition education and small loans. Our work ensures that women like Bitina can access the resources needed to create healthier, more resilient futures for their families.
This work is expanded in communities like Pemba in the Salima District, where a recently launched nutrition project, funded by the Latter-day Saints Church, builds on our health and nutrition programming. Nutrition animators lead community cooking demonstrations and promote awareness of the importance of prenatal and postnatal care and breastfeeding. These animators also advocate for regular pre- and postnatal check-ups to monitor maternal and child health, assess mental well-being and offer valuable guidance. Their work ensures that pregnant women, nursing mothers and young children have consistent access to nutrient-rich foods.
Today, Bitina is one of our nutrition animators. She not only provides nutritious meals for her own family but also shares her knowledge with others. She has expanded her ventures to include raising chickens and ducks and plans to add cattle and goats for both sustenance and economic growth. Bitina dreams of a brighter future for her children, hoping they will one day become healthcare professionals and contribute to their community’s well-being.
Bitina’s story shows us that mothers are among our most effective agents of sustainable, lasting change. With continued support, more women can access these tools to build a future free from hunger for themselves, their families and their communities.
