Category: Recipient Stories

Renewed Health, Renewed Hope

Seven-year-old Jenny Mae born with Hirschsprung’s Disease, a condition that almost took her life when she was still a newborn. Her mother Jeanalyn rushed her to the hospital, and they found out that Jenny Mae needed a major operation. She was able to receive the initial operation, since her mother’s employment insurance and donations from...

Nutrition Month Tips

Happy Nutrition Month! During the month of March, dieticians and health workers all over the world are gearing up to focus on the importance of proper nutrition in living a healthy lifestyle. Healthy eating is an important aspect of ICM’s Health curriculum, which emphasizes good nutrition. Irene, a participant in Palawan shared, “Now I cook...

Home-based Feeding Helps Sick Child

In Sultan Kudarat, 34-year old mother Jenelyn and her husband Ronie bravely face the challenge of raising their six children including 3-year old son Rickmar, who is afflicted with hydrocephalus. Rickmar has a twin sister, Reslyn—who is normal and healthy.  Jenelyn knew Rickmar needed special attention, especially in his nutrition.  About two years ago she...

When Helping Hands Heal Feet

Last year, the O family had the opportunity to visit Dumaguete. While on their ICM trip, the O family – 12-year-old Brandon, six-year-old Sydney and parents Andy and Christina witnessed the positive changes ICM’s Transform program brings to entire communities.  While the family was in the slum, working with participants of a Transform community, they were requested...

Global Day of Parents

The Global Day of Parents is observed on the 1st of June every year. The Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 2012 and honors parents throughout the world. The Global Day provides an opportunity to appreciate all parents in all parts of the world for their selfless commitment to children and their...

No need for a scarf

Nineteen-year-old Gem had to stop attending school and enter the workforce the year she turned 13. One of seven siblings, Gem’s parents had separated when she was nine. Gem’s mother went to work in Manila, but would only send money home when she was employed. Gem’s father worked as a seasonal farmer, and his income...

International Day of Families

The United Nations has declared May 15th as the annual International Day of Families.  The theme for this year’s day is: Families, education and well-being. The Day highlights the importance of all caregivers in families, be it parents, grandparents or siblings and the importance of parental education for the welfare of children. It focuses on...

Absolute Beginner

With an infant at home, Angie was hesitant to agree to attending ICM’s Transform program. She thought the responsibilities of motherhood and the unpredictability of babies would make it too difficult to attend the weekly sessions. However, Angie was excited at the opportunity of changing her family’s income and signed up for the program. The...

Long Distance Education

Carrying her three-month old daughter, Arlyn walked four kilometers round trip to her weekly Transform classes. However, the 30-year-old did not mind travelling the long distance.  “I didn’t mind the difficulties because I wanted to learn,” said Arlyn. With four children, one of whom has cerebral palsy, it was tough for Arlyn to leave home,...

Family Academy – Learning for all

Mother-of-three Engely is delighted with the knowledge her daughter, Charmy Angel, has gained in the three weeks she has been attending ICM’s Family Academy. Engely hopes a stronger academic foundation will give Charmy Angel a confidence that Charmy’s older sister lacked when she started primary school. “I want my children to learn as early as...