NTSOAKI’S STORY

When she first discovered her pregnancy Ntsoaki was apprehensive – “I was scared to tell my parents and even thought of running away from home” she describes. “I didn’t know how to care for a child.”

Community Complementary Feeding and Learning Sessions are helping mothers like Ntsoaki in Butha Buthe, Lesotho, learn best practice caring skills to have the best impact on their child’s growth and nutrition. Families also learn how to use their own resources and grow food to help them live sustainably.

Ntsoaki joined the programme when her son Letlotlo was 10 months old. “The main challenge was that he wasn’t eating” she recalls.

“In the group sessions we learned how to prepare nutritious meals and how to breastfeed properly” says Ntsoaki. “Now he eats well. I feel happy because he is growing tall and gaining weight.”

Ntsoaki is now a firm believer in the value of community –“I learned that we need to come together in order to succeed. We are now starting a savings and credit scheme where we help each other save and borrow so that we can get the things we need in our homes.”

She even gives back by teaching others in the area. “I encourage those who are not part of the programme to join. Those who I am peer educating are also doing well. Their children are also growing strong.”

Ntate Lerata was the Field Officer who mentored Ntsoaki on the programme. He is impressed by her growth – “She is now eager to contribute. She is growing as a leader in her community.”

Letlotlo now weighs a healthy 10.2kg and is ready to enjoy the childhood he deserves. Ntsoaki is optimistic about the years ahead for her son – “I want to see him grown, educated and having a bright future.”