My name is Tibebe, and since the devastating earthquake of 2010 in Haiti, I’ve have been working at the Rescue center. This center is a lifeline for children who might otherwise lose the battle against malnutrition, giving them a new chance at life. For me, this work is more than just a job—it’s a personal mission to help the most vulnerable receive that second chance.

One child who truly touched my heart this year was Yvena, a little girl who came to us in a severe state of malnutrition, a -4 which is the worst. Her situation was even more challenging because her mother, who suffers from mental health issues, couldn’t properly care for her. When Yvena arrived, she weighed only 3.7 kg. It was heartbreaking to see her so fragile, but it also reminded me of the importance of the work we do here.

From the moment Yvena arrived, the entire team came together to make sure she got the care she needed. I was honored to be part of the group looking after her. Each day, I carefully gave her medication, fed her enriched milk, gave her medika mamba and provided other foods to help her fragile body regain strength. Slowly but surely, we began to see progress. Every little victory, whether it was a small smile or a slight weight gain, filled us with hope.

What always amazes me is how resilient these children are, despite the harsh conditions they face. With the right care, they begin to bounce back. Yvena was no exception. As she started gaining weight, she became more active, smiling and playing with the other children.

After months of care and hard work, Yvena now weighs 6.4 kg and has fully recovered from malnutrition. Seeing her healthy, laughing, and playing brings me great joy. Being part of her journey to recovery makes me believe in the job that I do. Every child we help represents a life transformed, and I am deeply grateful to play a role in that transformation. Working at the Rescue Center is not just a job—it’s a privilege to be part of these children’s lives and give them hope and life.