Rita Reto’s Resilience Journey through the ICAN Puzzle
My name is Rita Reto, a 47-year-old single mother of six children residing in Moruongor village. As a Village Health Team (VHT) member operating in the North Division, I have had the privilege of being trained by the DDS-NK USAID ICAN project on the “Goat for Milk” puzzle. Inspired by this knowledge, I decided to train 20 mothers from my own homestead and neighboring households, sharing the importance and value of consuming goat’s milk.
The knowledge I acquired through ICAN’s training expedited my understanding of the significance of goat’s milk in our diets. Embracing the principles of the resilience puzzle, I have integrated various practices into my life, focusing on WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), nutrition, education, and livelihoods. I have established permanent gardens that not only provide my family with nutritious vegetables but also serve as a source of income through sales. Additionally, I have adopted Lorena stoves, which help mitigate deforestation practices, preserving our environment for future generations. Furthermore, I am proud to say that all my children are now attending school, receiving formal education.
“When we were trained in Toroi, the importance of consuming goat’s milk, which is more nutritious than cow’s milk, resonated with me,” I recall, reminiscing on the motivation it brought to community members who were previously unaware of this valuable knowledge. The 20 mothers I trained have wholeheartedly embraced the practices outlined in the puzzle, and the scaling out of these practices to the wider community is an ongoing endeavor.
However, it is important to acknowledge the challenges we face. Theft of harvested food crops and money from the sales of grains remains a significant concern, primarily driven by food insecurity and cattle raids. Despite these challenges, I express my gratitude for the ICAN programming, which continues to improve community livelihoods and nutrition. Particularly under the youth pillar, the project’s efforts in promoting formal education campaigns and cascading knowledge to adolescent young girls and women are highly appreciated.
Rita Reto’s story is a testament to the positive impact of the DDS-NK USAID ICAN project. Through the resilience puzzle, community members like Rita are empowered with knowledge and skills that enable them to lead healthier and more prosperous lives. By embracing practices that promote sustainable livelihoods, improved nutrition, and access to education, Rita and others are creating a ripple effect of positive change in their communities.
The DDS-NK USAID ICAN project’s commitment to enhancing community resilience is evident through the training and support provided to VHTs like Rita. By cascading this knowledge and inspiring others, the project ensures the widespread adoption of these life-changing practices. Despite the challenges faced, the project’s continuous efforts to address food insecurity, protect livelihoods, and empower the youth are greatly appreciated by the community.
Through Rita’s resilience journey, we witness the transformative power of knowledge and community engagement. The DDS-NK USAID ICAN project stands as a beacon of hope, fostering a resilient and prosperous future for the people of Moruongor village and beyond.
