Empowering Community Volunteer to Prevent Stunting

Dear friends,

As we wrap up the year, I wanted to share a few updates from our health project in Bukit Batu, Central Kalimantan. YUM continues to work closely with 16 local health posts — or Posyandu, as we call them in Indonesia. Each Posyandu is supported by 3 to 5 community health workers, known as kader. These incredible women are truly the heart of maternal and child health in their communities.

Every month, in the six villages where we work, the Posyandu open their doors to mothers, babies, toddlers, and pregnant women for regular check-ups. These visits help ensure that children are growing well and that pregnant mothers stay healthy throughout their pregnancy. Children are weighed and measured to monitor their growth and prevent stunting, while pregnant mothers also get their mid–upper arm circumference (MUAC) checked — an important indicator for detecting early signs of malnutrition.

Each kader has her own role: registering families, weighing the children, measuring height, checking MUAC, offering guidance to mothers, and sharing information about breastfeeding, nutrition, and healthy pregnancy. But their contribution goes far beyond their monthly duties. The kader are our closest partners — they help mobilize the community, share essential messages, and make sure our programs truly reach the people who need them most. Their dedication is inspiring, and we deeply hope you’ll continue supporting their amazing work.

And since today is Giving Tuesday, it’s the perfect time to make a difference. Thanks to GlobalGiving’s $500,000 matching funds, every donation you make today will be boosted. Your support helps unlock additional funds and creates an even greater impact. Matching is only available for 36 hours — from Dec. 2 at 12 a.m. until Dec. 3 at 12 p.m. EST — so please don’t wait to make your gift go even further.

With gratitude,

Vanessa