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The Foundation for Mother and Child Health India (FMCH) improves the lives of mothers and children by providing programs focused on preventative healthcare, education, and nutritional interventions to underprivileged communities. Founded in 2005 in Indonesia, FMCH believes that a child’s development in the early years of their life is a foundation for their future educational and personal development.

Malnutrition in children is the result of several factors, most of which fall under a lack of access to resources and education. A limited family income, poor knowledge of basic nutrition and hygiene practices, and limited access to medical support, safe water and proper accommodation all contribute to the issue of child malnutrition. FMCH’s mission is to tackle malnutrition in innovative ways. Through medical clinics, health talks, home visits and cooking and parenting classes, FMCH approaches early childhood development and health from multiple angles. By addressing health issues and malnutrition in pregnant women, infants and young children, and by teaching proper nutrition, they focus on the holistic development of the child and empower women to make smart health choices for their families.

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After finishing her BA in International Business, Simran Daryanani began considering working in the field of development. She knew that her classroom studies could only take her so far, and was looking for an opportunity to use her skills on the ground and gain professional experience. Her search for real hands-on social sector experience brought her to Atma.

In April, Simran finished a six-month Atma volunteership. Simran assisted with organisational development at Atma’s newest partner, the Foundation for Mother and Child Health (FMCH).FMCH aims to improve early childhood development by providing underprivileged communities with health and nutrition education as well as interventions such as clinics and nutrition supplement programs.

Photo by Jacek Rezsko

At FMCH, Simran found a challenging volunteer opportunity: one that allowed her to truly work on the ground in the strategic planning and programs of an NGO.

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Sheetal is like many of the mothers living in the Mahalaxmi area: she works hard to care for her daughter and provide opportunities for her development. Unlike many of the women in her community, Sheetal and her daughter are benefiting from regular doctor visits and nutritional counselling to ensure their best possible health.

The program that allows Sheetal and other young mothers to access nutritional education and counselling is called ‘Bloom’. Bloom is just one of the initiatives of Atma Partner ‘the Foundation for Mother and Child Health (FMCH). FMCH focuses on innovative ways of addressing health and nutrition education with specific, community-based interventions.

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Photo by Jacek Reszko

This mother and little girl are beneficiaries of Atma’s newest partner, the Foundation for Mother and Child Health.

Dottie Wagle is the chairperson of Atma Partner FMCH’s India board. The Foundation for Mother and Child Health focuses on encouraging preventive health and balanced nutrition practices in underprivileged communities. Dottie has been a valuable part of FMCH’s blossoming projects in Mumbai since early 2010.

FMCH became an Atma Partner in June 2010.

“FMCH has an incredible staff, and is prepared with a lot of tools and expertise,” said Atma’s Partnerships Director Summer Starr.

“Atma is helping them to recognize how to use their resources to move ahead with an excellent focus.”

“This is the first step in helping children and parents feel empowered about their health,” Dottie said at an FMCH committee meeting. She was referring to the ‘Bloom’ programme: an intervention focusing on teaching nutrition to a community of mothers and children at Mahila Ward in Mumbai.

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