Behind every community that thrives, there are countless unsung heroes who give their time, energy, and heart to make a difference. Among them is a mother who not only nurtures her family but also dedicates herself to making the community a better place. 

She is Sheryl Navata, a 41-year-old mother and a barangay secretary in Barangay Barayong in Magsaysay, Davao del Sur. In 2019, when her 3 children were of age to attend an early child development center, she was faced by a difficult decision. Their former local child development center was hit by an earthquake, resulting in damaged buildings and lack of adequate facilities. It also had no functional kitchen at that time and an area where they could conduct proper feeding sessions, as nutrition plays a vital role in the child’s development.

“It was not conducive for learning, given the fact that the building was somehow dilapidated since it was made of light materials, the wooden walls were also worn-out, plus a leaky roof, and no proper equipment for learning,” Sheryl recalled.

It was a far cry from the private schools her children deserved, but private schools were out of reach for them. They simply didn’t have the financial means to afford better.

Still, she never let her kids see her doubts. She smiled and encouraged them, telling them they were smart and capable, no matter the state of their classroom. But inside, her heart ached. True enough, her kids survived those years, and as of today they’re already in their secondary years.

However, as the years went by, her hopes didn’t fade. She continued to dream that one day the children in their community could experience a better world — a world where they could learn in a safe and nurturing environment.

Thus, when she heard about the Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition Project (PMNP) under the initiative of the KALAHI-CIDSS program of DSWD, which aimed to adopt a multisectoral nutrition approach to deliver a coordinated package of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions across the various LGU platforms, she saw an opportunity to help the children in their barangay.

Determined to make a difference, she volunteered to be part of the implementation of the subproject which was the rehabilitation of the existing Child Community Center in Barangay Barayong specifically full roofing, roof framing, ceiling, flooring, and improvement of the kitchen. As a barangay secretary, she was passionate and willing to learn with what the project requires. 

In her journey as a PMNP volunteer, she was truly grateful for the experiences she has gained. She felt empowered to create change and contribute something to the community that will have a lasting impact.

In December 2023, when the subproject was completed, and up until today, the little ones no longer sat in a space filled with cracks and leaks, but in a vibrant classroom where they could explore and learn. New learning materials were brought in, and the teachers, trained through the project, began to implement creative and engaging lessons. The most important thing is a feeding room was also built where kids were fed with delicious and nutritious food.

Moreover, the Barangay Local Government Unit has shown its commitment in the pursuit of the children’s overall welfare, including the proper ventilation of the center, thus, they’ve put up an air conditioning unit and has allotted 10,000 pesos every year for the maintenance and repair of the building

For Sheryl, it was more than just the physical improvements. It was the hope that now, no other child would have to endure the same hardships her own children had faced. She wanted them to learn, to dream, and to reach for the stars, unencumbered by the limitations that had held her back.

She and the rest of the community volunteers, their work didn’t end there. For more than 2 years, they continued, helping to ensure that the project’s impact was sustainable serving hundreds of kids in the community.

“I’m very grateful to the PMNP modality of the KALAHI-CIDSS because it didn’t only provide financial assistance, but they have given us an opportunity also to help our community especially the children. To everyone, if we have a chance to help our community, we must grab it.” She said

Looking back at the years of struggle, she felt a deep sense of fulfilment. She finally understood what it meant not just only to be a mother, but also a volunteer. It was not just about giving birth to life, but about creating a future where that life could thrive.

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