A Public Health Constraint in Sidorejo Village: The Epidemic of Stunting
Around December of last year, I was assigned to become a student volunteer — serving the community in Sidorejo village — and simultaneously contributing the knowledge I have gained in college. Teaming up with eleven other peers, this 40-day social initiative is filled with intellectually diverse lifelong learners. During my time here in Sidorejo village, so far, I am aware that many still face long-standing challenges encompassing stunting. Oh, wait, what is “stunting” actually? Some experts of the World Health Organization (WHO) say that stunting is referred to as impaired physical growth marked by inadequate nutrition, which could also lead to nutrition-related chronic diseases. If a child is diagnosed as stunted — it means that he or she has not been spoon fed balanced nutritious food — which consists of vitamin, fiber, carbohydrate, iron, calcium, etc.
Unfortunately, as far as I scrutinize, sustainable practices relating to the nutritious food stewardship are rarely heralded and applied. Despite the wealth of Sidorejo’s natural resources, to me it seems vivid that most parents are still less informed in terms of putting “good food” on the table. It could result in the shortage of reliable nutrients for their toddlers’ growth, both physically and psychosocially. Observing my surroundings, I figured out that one of the biggest factors lies in socio-economic burden. In the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, the village struggled to revitalize its economic sector, so did the residents. During those tough times, people had to work tirelessly to provide fresh, nutritious food to their families.
Being a student volunteer, my teammates and I focused on starting a project that equips parents with fruitful knowledge on child nutrition needs and how stunting could severely hamper children’s physical and psychosocial development. Moreover, we also made and distributed more than thirty cups of green bean porridge to parents whose toddlers were being checked up at the Integrated Health Post (Posyandu). There was absolutely a plausible reason why we chose to impart green bean porridge; its rich vitamins, iron, folate, fibers, as well as antioxidants play significant roles in keeping the body healthy and enduring. Another thing we considered: its availability and affordability! Green bean is widely known as an affordable source of nutritious food, and it is ubiquitous or easy to find.
Volunteering with child nutrition specialists and social workers, I met dozens of people with distinct personalities and medical conditions. I can still recall the moment when a 3-year-old toddler walked towards me, mumbling with inexplicable signs; it turned out he wanted to play with some toys in the playground at the corner of the room. Amidst the cacophony, I chatted with his mother; “He cannot speak yet,” she revealed. To my surprise, the boy has not been able to speak like other 3-year-olds do. Realizing it, I firmly believe that the communication pattern between the boy and his parents is both practically and emotionally insufficient. I also think it is neither his mother’s nor father’s fault; it is all about the finite scope of knowledge instilled within themselves.
This matter also links to parenting style. I am not a pundit nor a psychologist, but I am convinced that inadequate parenting approach puts children in “dead ends.” They do not have role models to map out, navigate, and shape their behaviors and values. That is one problem in Sidorejo village that needs to be solved: poor parenting. Some scholars suggest that parents must be aware of their children’s characteristics, which also correlate with their needs. I genuinely understand that each parent has their own beliefs in raising their sons and daughters, but somehow the art of parenting itself is complicated and is inapplicable for everyone. The art of parenting requires personalized approaches, educating the future generation with wisdom, genuinity, respect, and open mindedness. This one remarkable value endorses the idea of nourishing kids so that they are far from stunting.
Now that it is approaching the end of my journey here in Sidorejo village, I would like to cherish every single invaluable lesson and hands-on experience. Solemnly, I learn a lot from anything and anyone I encounter here. As a volunteer who works in the field, I realize that there are tons of social constraints unfolding in front of my eyes — which I am accountable for. Despite being an ordinary man, I have always been eager to help those who are in need. I hope our small contribution can bring significant impact to the people of Sidorejo village.
