{"id":8148,"date":"2025-05-28T13:46:45","date_gmt":"2025-05-28T05:46:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blue-forests.org\/?p=8148"},"modified":"2025-08-13T11:12:50","modified_gmt":"2025-08-13T03:12:50","slug":"synergy-between-posyandu-and-coastal-ecosystems-in-building-community-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blue-forests.org\/en\/synergy-between-posyandu-and-coastal-ecosystems-in-building-community-health\/newsroom\/story-from-the-field\/","title":{"rendered":"Synergy Between Posyandu and Coastal Ecosystems in Building Community Health"},"content":{"rendered":"

More Than Just Weighing Babies<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

By: Normah, Health Cadre of Medan Mas Village \u2013 Batu Ampar Sub-district<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

“Maintaining health cannot be separated from taking care of the environment we live in.”<\/p>\n

I never imagined that being in health care could take me this far. It’s not just about performing routine tasks but also about becoming part of a fundamental change in the village both in health matters and in environmental awareness.<\/p>\n

I was one of the cadres involved from the beginning when the Blue Forests Foundation started supporting our village, Medan Mas, in Batu Ampar sub-district, Kubu Raya, West Kalimantan. Since then, I have seen firsthand how the role of cadres has grown\u2014from merely carrying out routine Posyandu tasks to becoming a crucial bridge between knowledge and Community needs.<\/p>\n

The health care in Medan Mas conducted home visits for infant\/toddler measurements \u2013 Purwa\/Blue Forests<\/em><\/p>\n

In the past, Posyandu’s activities were limited to weighing babies, checking on pregnant mothers, and recording the health data of residents. Many people came to Posyandu simply because they felt obligated, not because they recognized it as a genuine need. But everything changed once Blue Forests began supporting us. They didn’t come to take over but to strengthen our role as cadres nurtured by the Padang Tikar Community Health Center.<\/p>\n

We were given broader learning opportunities not just technical skills but also communication, critical thinking, and the confidence to voice our concerns in village forums. I truly felt valued as a woman, a cadre, and a contributor to the village’s development.<\/p>\n

What really opened my eyes was learning about the mangrove ecosystem along the village coast. At first, I never thought mangroves had anything to do with my role as a health cadre. However, after learning with the YHB team, I began to understand that mangroves protect the village from floods, maintain water quality, provide nutritious food, and prevent diseases that arise from unhealthy environments. Health starts with caring for nature.<\/p>\n

This transformation would not have been possible without the support of the Medan Mas Village Government. They not only allocated budgets and formulated supportive policies but also gave us access to voice our needs directly in village meetings. We are no longer just implementers but part of the decision making process.<\/p>\n

The Medan Mas health cadre visited families for educational outreach – Blue Forests<\/em><\/p>\n

The health cadre presented the activities that had been carried out – Blue Forests<\/em><\/p>\n

Today, Posyandu feels more vibrant. Community participation has increased, and the atmosphere is more open and trusting. People are starting to see health as a shared responsibility. In the third year of facilitation (2024), I was honored to be named an outstanding cadre at the sub-district level, representing eight villages under the guidance of the Padang Tikar Health Center. For me, this is not just a personal achievement but proof that change can start from small things if we’re willing to move forward together.<\/p>\n

I sincerely appreciate and thank YHB and the Padang Tikar Health Center for their sincere, patient, and consistent support. We hope this kind of support can continue and reach more villages in coastal areas because change like this is truly possible if someone is willing to walk with us from the beginning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once Almost Abandoned, Now Fought For<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

By: Apriyani, Health Cadre of Batu Ampar Village \u2013 Batu Ampar Sub-district<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Being in health care has been a part of my life for the past few years. I’ve carried out my duties diligently serving residents at the Posyandu, sharing basic information about maternal and child health, and being present whenever I had the chance to help.<\/p>\n

However, I can’t deny that there was a time when the Posyandu in our hamlet faced real challenges. Attendance of mothers and toddlers declined. There were concerns that the Posyandu building was no longer being used effectively. During that period, my fellow cadres and I worked hard to keep the spirit alive and maintain services because we believed in the importance of this space as a center for education and health recovery.<\/p>\n

The winds of change began to blow when the Blue Forests Foundation, in collaboration with the Blue Action Fund and Blue Ventures, arrived in our village, establishing a partnership with the Batu Ampar Community Health Center and the Batu Ampar Village Government. Their presence brought a new spirit that strengthened us as health cadres who have long played a role in the community. We not only received training but also had the opportunity to share experiences, broaden our horizons, and build the confidence to become more actively involved.<\/p>\n

Apriyani provided input during the capacity-building session for health cadres – Blue Forests<\/em><\/p>\n

I had the opportunity to take part in learning visits to other villages. There, I absorbed a lot from how to build better communication to simple strategies to increase community involvement. All of these experiences reinforced my conviction that change can begin with small steps if undertaken sincerely.<\/p>\n

With a friendlier and more open approach, we began to revitalize our Posyandu. We invited residents in a more approachable manner, participated in social activities, and fostered closer relationships with the mothers in the hamlet. Thankfully, Posyandu’s attendance is now steadily increasing. People are beginning to regain their trust, and Posyandu has once again become a space that everyone looks forward to each month.<\/p>\n

Support from the Village Government is also becoming more tangible through infrastructure, logistics, and inclusive spaces. I was once asked to present our activity report at a village forum something I had never experienced before. That moment gave me a sense of pride and strengthened my commitment to continue contributing.<\/p>\n

Now, I also mentor new, younger cadres. We learn from and support each other. I am grateful to be part of nurturing the spirit of the next generation who care about public health.<\/p>\n

I never imagined that being a cadre could take me this far. I feel appreciated, trusted, and included. For me, this is the true meaning of togetherness supporting each other to build a healthier and more empowered village.<\/p>\n

Together with the community, the health center, the village government, and the Blue Forests Foundation, I believe that every village has the potential to grow stronger and Posyandu is the first step toward that future.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

More Than Just Weighing Babies By: Normah, Health Cadre of Medan Mas Village \u2013 Batu Ampar Sub-district “Maintaining health cannot be separated from taking care of the environment we live in.” I never imagined that being in health care could take 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