#resilience in cooking

[pebblegalaxy]

A Culinary Catastrophe: My Epic Baking Fail Turned Triumph

Write about your most epic baking or cooking fail. In the annals of my culinary escapades, there exists a tale that transcends mere kitchen mishaps. It is a saga of epic proportions, where the delicate art of baking collided with the forces of chaos, resulting in a spectacle of culinary failure that still echoes in the halls of my memory. It was a day brimming with ambition, a day when my…

[beheamothscreamoth]

Quick question for the Touchstarved fandom!! As much as we love Ais calling us 'Sparrow,' I have to ask - if you had to decide, what other bird nickname do you think he would call you/your MC? :O

For example, Ais would my Unnamed MC Daniella 'bluebird,' while he'd call my Alchemist MC Edgar 'crow' (and another OC I'm planning, Shinju, 'woodpecker!')

[purefilly-connection]

Kwanzaa Day 6: Kuumba - Creativity and Purposeful Living

As we step into the sixth day of Kwanzaa, we celebrate Kuumba, the principle of creativity. It’s a day to reflect on the ways we can use our talents and imagination to make the world around us better, brighter, and more meaningful. For me, Kuumba is not just about artistic expression but about infusing creativity into all aspects of life—our relationships, our work, and even our…

[occknow]

Bim, Bam, Boom – Las Luchas Morenas and the Life Between the Ring and the Kitchen.

In Bim, Bam, Boom – Las Luchas Morenas, filmmaker Marie Losier captures the electrifying and deeply personal world of three Mexican luchadoras—Esther, Rossy, and Cynthia Moreno.

Through vibrant imagery and intimate storytelling, the film is more than just a tribute to lucha libre; it is a portrait of sisterhood, sacrifice, and the fight—both inside and outside the ring.

Watching the film, one cannot help but be drawn to Esther. She is not only a fierce competitor but also a guiding force for her sisters.

I admire my sister Esther a lot because she has led the way for us in work, and she is a woman worthy of respect.

Despite their small stature, Esther was the one who paved the way. While Rossy, as the eldest, also played a crucial role, it was Esther with whom she shared the strongest connection.

But like all siblings, their relationships are marked by love, rivalry, and moments of tension.

The problem I have with both of them is that I have always demanded respect. Wrestling, going to Japan, and traveling the world cost me a lot. It cost me my personal life as a woman and as a mother.

Wrestling is not just a sport—it is a life-defining path, one that demands total commitment. Yet, beyond the ring, another passion calls to her: cooking.

This is one of the most striking elements of Bim, Bam, Boom—the way it balances the physical intensity of wrestling with the intimate, almost sacred act of preparing food.

All my life, I have dedicated myself to wrestling. The other thing that I am passionate about is cooking. I love my restaurant, I love cooking, and I also love wrestling—both things.

The contrast is beautiful: the same hands that grip and grapple in the ring also knead dough, chop ingredients, and serve meals.

Each sister in the film has a distinct personality, which makes their dynamic fascinating. Cynthia is portrayed as distant, lost in her thoughts.

Cynthia is very special—introverted. It is difficult for us to communicate because she is always deep in her thoughts, in her own world.

Meanwhile, Esther bursts with life, always singing, radiating joy.

She is the happiest. Esther is the kind of person who just says, ‘Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!’.

Yet, there is also a shadow of loss. The film hints at departures, at family members who have moved on.

Mariannita was so beautiful and graceful. Who knows where she is wandering now? I don’t care if she doesn’t come back—I don’t like begging.

This sense of impermanence lingers, a reminder that lucha libre is not just about winning titles—it is about holding onto something, even as life moves forward.

Marie Losier’s Bim, Bam, Boom – Las Luchas Morenas is not just about the spectacle of lucha libre.

It is about the women behind the masks, their struggles, their loves, and their unbreakable bond.

Between the ring and the kitchen, between punches and embraces, their story is a testament to the power of resilience, passion, and family.

| By @occknow

[littledolce]

Practical thingz

credit/source: Reddit

" Learn a trade. Learn how to cook. Buy secondhand clothes. No streaming services. Meditate. Simple car. Learn how to repair cars. Survival skills "

The end, for the end :) <3

[bcb-and-b-368-lindsay-road-40]

Pre-internet? June 2nd Rock Farm Update and Gallery.

[jonathanmoya1955]

My Jesus Hour in a Taco Bell

I feel at home at Taco Bell, as the cuisine reminds me of the worst of my mom’s cooking: cheese that tastes like beans,beans that taste like rice, rice that taste like flour.It’s where I go when I am missing someone, usually near their Jesus’ hour, between the last sip of a lunch hour Pepsi and the first after school Cinnabon Delights clutched and munchedin little fingers.I'll lean in whenever a…

[naturalwellnesshq]

Sugar Kelp: Nature's Gentle Teacher of Resilience

In the gentle embrace of dawn, as the soft sunlight filters through dewy leaves, the Laminaria digitata, or sugar kelp, sways gracefully in the cool ocean currents. This emerald beauty, with its ribbon-like fronds, whispers secrets of resilience and nourishment, reminding us of our own need for rejuvenation in a fast-paced world.

Much like the tides, we too experience the ebb and flow of vitality, and perhaps, like sugar kelp, we can nurture our inner strength through the gifts of nature.

Sugar kelp, often found flourishing along the coasts of the North Atlantic, has a history rich with tradition and use. Early coastal communities recognized its value not just as a food source but also as a means of promoting overall well-being.

Its high mineral content and natural umami flavor made it a staple in various cuisines, particularly in Asian dishes where it is harvested and dried for soups and salads. But there's so much more to explore beneath the surface of this marine wonder.

Recent scientific studies highlight the treasure trove of nutrients contained within sugar kelp. Rich in iodine, essential for thyroid function, it also boasts high levels of vitamins A, C, and K, alongside a variety of antioxidants known to combat oxidative stress.

The fiber content in sugar kelp is significant, promoting digestive health and supporting the microbiome. A fascinating discovery has been its synergy with other herbs; when combined with Zingiber officinale (ginger), the two can create powerful, warming dishes that invigorate both body and spirit.

Harvesting and preparing sugar kelp is an art in itself. Simply rinse the fronds to remove any salt, gently pat them dry, and then chop to add a vibrant, green hue to stir-fries or salads. Alternatively, simmer them in soups, where they infuse a savory depth that is both bracing and comforting.

In the kitchen, we can also experiment with blending dehydrated kelp into smoothies, complementing it with tropical fruits and other nutrient-rich herbs like Matricaria chamomilla (chamomile), creating a refreshing elixir that balances earth and sea.

As the seasons change, let us draw inspiration from sugar kelp's ever-present resilience in the tides. It evokes a soothing reminder of our own capacity for renewal and strength, an essence we can harness throughout the years.

By tapping into the natural world's vast resources, we gently remind ourselves of the profound interconnection we share with these botanicals as pillars of health and harmony.

So, as we embark on our journey through the seasons, perhaps the question we can ask ourselves is: How can we integrate the wisdom of nature, like the invigorating gifts of sugar kelp, into our daily lives for sustained rejuvenation? Let us explore and discover, enriching our wellness through the nurturing wonders that surround us.

[apalonespinifera]

Most of my mother's recipes (at least the good ones, like her cornbread and collards) were lost when my parents died. The ones written down were either too faded to read or genuinely unappetizing—I'm talking jello salads and mayonnaise cakes. I wish I had those few recipes that could remind me of home.

That said, better no one disregard how important it is to pass on recipes. They're the lifeblood of a culture. I'm so happy I get to see these and will reblog every time I see it.

I'm a broke college student and I barely have more than an electric kettle and a microwave for a kitchen, but now I really want to try to make these. I'll find a way istg. If I can't continue my own mother's cooking, I might as well continue someone else's (with credit and attribution, of course)

@mariyyum twitter post: Recipes that have been passed down to me by my Palestinian mother 🇵🇸, and I've had the honor of sharing them with all of you. #freepalestine

1: Cheese Manakeesh (cheese pies)

2: Homemade Hummus w/ chicken koufta

3: Msakhan (the National dish of Palestine)

4: Sfeeha (meet pies)

Follow her on: twitter instagram youtube tiktok and her own blog for more.

[notquitesuperhuman]

The Power of Grief Groceries: Finding Comfort and Support in the Wake of Loss

This past weekend, my family experienced a profound loss—the passing of my mother-in-law. While I had read about grief groceries, knowing about them in theory and experiencing something like them firsthand are two very different things. I understood that these gestures of kindness—whether in the form of delivered groceries, prepared meals, or even financial support—could provide much-needed…

[asma-jamal]

Hello.,

My name is Asma Al-Dahdouh from Gaza. We are trapped between walls of fear, despair, and deep sorrow amidst the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. I appeal to every person with a living conscience, a compassionate heart, and an understanding of humanity to help us.

Help me overcome adversity

I reach out to you today, resilient and compassionate, facing unimaginable challenges. Life in our area has become increasingly difficult due to the ongoing and escalating conflict. I struggle to secure the basic necessities for our family.

Who is Asma and her family?

I am married to Ashraf Jibreel, who is 39 years old. I am 34 and suffer from chronic illnesses, including thyroid disease and rheumatoid arthritis, requiring lifelong medication. We have four children: the oldest is Oday, 14, who suffers from a chronic illness like mine; Muhammad, 12; Amal, 9, who has celiac disease and cannot eat regular foods, requiring a special diet that suits her health condition; and Hussam, who is 4 years old.

How has war made our lives hell?

We all feel fear, deep sadness, and insecurity from the relentless bombardment and destruction since the war on Gaza began. My young children cannot sleep normally due to fear and nightmares. My family and I do not have a safe place to live; we rent our home, which has been shelled.

 We have fled multiple times due to repeated threats and demands to evacuate. My husband used to work as a taxi driver, but his taxi was destroyed in the war, leaving him unemployed. My son Muhammad, my daughter Amal, and I contracted advanced hepatitis, increasing our suffering.

Due to a lack of good food, clean water, and necessary medication, our condition has worsened. Our lives are threatened either by bombardment and shrapnel or by malnutrition, the spread of epidemics and diseases, psychological insecurity, rampant unemployment, lack of fuel, cooking gas, electricity, and my husband losing his job.

Despite the harsh conditions and ongoing uncertainties, I remain hopeful and determined to provide a better future for my husband and children. My spirit is unbreakable, but we need help from those with living consciences and compassionate hearts to overcome the obstacles we face.

How can you help me?

My family and I aspire to build a better future for our children, ensuring their safety and allowing us all to live a dignified life, feeling secure and stable, and living in peace. Help us achieve this dream through your generous donations, which will undoubtedly have a significant impact on saving us. The funds raised will be used for:

Renovating our destroyed home and purchasing furniture and appliances necessary for daily life.

Food and water, ensuring we have daily essentials and medical supplies and healthcare.

Education, supporting my children's education by covering tuition, school supplies, and necessary needs.

Every contribution matters

No donation is too small; every contribution brings us one step closer to relief and a better future. Even if you cannot contribute financially, sharing this campaign with your generous network can make a significant difference.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Asma Al-Dahdouh North Gaza City.

[oh1thehorror]

CRAZY POLL

Just a little experiment

[hope-for-the-planet]

As of December 2024, The Cook Islands' Palmerston Atoll was declared entirely rat free. This was after significant eradication efforts and monitoring to confirm the rats were gone, both of which involved the local community. Removing the rats has helped to improve food security and safety for residents, as well as increasing the prevalence and numbers of native wildlife.

Arthur Neale, the atoll’s Executive Officer, says Palmerston’s rat-free status means the world to him and everyone else who lives on the atoll. “Rats infested the atoll for over a century. They ate our crops, invaded our homes and harmed local wildlife. We saw the rat problem becoming worse, with the potential to seriously undermine our resilience in the face of climate change impacts. “Benefits from the rat eradication are already evident. Our food security has improved massively. Fruits like guava, mango and star fruit are now abundant and free from rat damage. Our nu mangaro (a coconut tree variety) are thriving. Vegetables, especially cucumbers, have seen an astonishing increase in yield. “We’re very excited to see more native species now rats are no longer eating them. Seedlings of tamanu and puka are increasing and we’re seeing and hearing more birds. Wood pigeons and red-tailed tropic birds have returned to Home Islet. Crabs and lizards appear to be more abundant.”

Here's a cool video from a few years ago covering the work to remove rats and inclusion with the local community (Just a heads up the video does show dead rats a couple of times).

[cherryheairt]

A Long Day's Night

Remmick x reader

need a pathetic yet protective husband fs

It wasn't unusual for you to keep your doors locked and curtains drawn. The same went for all of your neighbors, and their neighbors after. Your husband considered himself resilient to the outsiders, and you did too. Though their oppression was strong and their numbers mighty, you stood stronger in your core values and beliefs.

No outsiders would tell you who or what to be.

They didn't like that attitude. Thousands upon thousands resisted, though eventually succumbed to them and their brutish ways. Kings and kings and kings fought over land that none would ever set foot on themselves. You were lucky to live outside of the cities, away from the worst of the war and the foot soldiers that invaded unsuspecting citizen's homes. The outskirts of Dublin were as quiet as war-ravaged plains and starved, rumbling stomachs could be. This didn't quell the fear burning a hole in your throat when your husband didn't come home at his usual time.

His days at the farm were long and troublesome, and yours were mentally straining with keeping the children of your little village occupied whilst their parents worked their day away. But it was worth it to reunite at sundown and wind down in a quiet peace together.

His sun-kissed skin was always warm and smelled of soil and sweat when he walked in, wiping his glistening forehead with his sleeve while kissing you delicately on your temple to not sully you with grime. You never cared much, pulling him down surely and meeting his lips with your own, dry and cracked as they might be from his labours.

You'd cook a small dinner to share between the two of you, ensuring he wouldn't pass out from exhaustion and hunger the next workday (not an uncommon occurrence these days amongst the farmers) and drawing a cooling bath for you both to soak in and take in each other's company.

Life was better before they came. Still, any life with him was a good one. Whether that meant starving most days or fearing your door being the next one knocked down—so be it. You knew he shared that exact sentiment.

So where was your dear husband?

It was well past sunset, and the birds had long since made a peep. Even the critters were silent tonight, and you couldn't help the nausea crawling up your throat from worry.

After what felt like hours of pacing your worn wooden floors, potato soup long gone cold, you heard the frantic stomps of a man stalking through grass and gravel outside of your home. Without truly thinking it through, you swept open the door and grabbed your lantern to lighten the pitch black midnight.

There, at the bottom of your porch steps, was your husband, heaving and gasping for breath like a man hunted.

“Micky!” You abandoned the lantern at the table next to the door, rushing down the steps to grab him and hold him up. He swayed a bit before straightening himself, just barely, looking down to you with a wild look of fear in his deep brown eyes. For a moment, you didn't think he registered who you were.

Blood stained his white cotton shirt. It was aged and worn before, but mended carefully by you on the regular. Now it wasn't salvageable—torn at the collar and arms, ripped like claws had dragged through at the waist. Any visible skin on him was muddled red and you couldn't even tell where his wounds were nor how deep. The nearest clinic had to be a few miles walk, one he couldn't possibly make.

His breaths were still ragged as you guided him to the first step carefully. His weight nearly knocked you down. “Mick, talk to me. Did they come to the farm?” You spoke hushed as if the invaders might be in the bushes listening to you.

“Baby—” He coughed, wet and choking. He spit after a few moments of tense heaves, and what left his mouth could only be the very thing covering his body.

“You're coughing up blood, we need to get you to Peter's,” Before you could take another step, he righted himself. He stood rod-straight and seemed broader than when he had left this morning. He wasn't wheezing any longer, but took completely silent and controlled breaths. His grip on your waist tightened and he shifted his hands to your face, inspecting you carefully.

Like he gained some kind of new consciousness.

“Yer’ scaring me, Mick.” You whispered, his intense gaze boring into your own avoidant one.

“You're okay?” He asked, his first full sentence, ignoring your own. “No one came by?”

“No one.” You assured. “What—”

“We need to leave. Now.” He grunted out, stained hands leaving wet marks across your cheeks as he released you and guided you by the waist to the doorway. All the while he shot his head back and forth and looked into the treeline to ensure no followers. If you went silent, you swore you would be able to hear his anxiously racing heart, and maybe your own running right alongside it.

You didn't have much of an option except to blindly follow. You trusted your husband more than anyone, and his judgement hadn't failed you this far. Not when he decided to move outside of the city after your wedding, not when he chased off the men following you home from work, and certainly not tonight when he had clearly seen hell and came back from it.

As you crossed the house's threshold, you paused when you noticed him flinch. He jerked back away from you like he'd been burned, a noise of surprise and pain leaving his chest.

“Remmick?” You turned, eyeing his figure in the doorway. He looked paused in time, brows knitted impossibly tight and grasping onto the frame like he was about to kneel over. “Come on, what was that?”

Remmick glances between you and the creaky floorboards. With a tentative step forward, he crossed the doorway and met you in the living room-kitchenette.

His moment of hesitation didn't last long as he started stuffing necessities into bags. Every few seconds, he moved at an inhuman pace for a brief moment before pausing and taking a deep breath, righting himself and continuing rummaging through cabinets. You stayed glued to your spot, worrying that your husband hit his head when he was attacked.

“I think you need to sit down, Rem.” You squinted, placing a palm on his shoulder and clenching your jaw when he flinched. He was cold to the touch, something you hadn't noticed when you found him outside. You thought it was simply the cool night's air chilling him through thin clothes.

He muttered something incomprehensible.

There was nothing you could tell him. Nothing that could break him from this trance and get an explanation. Wordlessly, you allowed him to move around the home while you wet a washcloth from the cold water left in the kitchen's pail.

“Remmick,” you grabbed his arms, gentle but still firm in your toeing back to the dining table where you sat him down in a chair. He looked up at you, and the lighting finally illuminated him properly. He looked absolutely awful, the product of some massacre you would surely hear about from the town’s mothers the next morning. Something about him stayed eerily still, and you weren't quite sure if his shoulders were moving up and down anymore.

You started with his face, cleaning smeared crimson from around his mouth and down his neck. His stare bored into your face as you worked. The clothes were destroyed completely, but he didn't seem to pay any mind to the damp and shredded linens on his body.

Tugging it off from the waist on up, lifting it over his head was all too easy when he followed every silent command like a dog.

“Are you holdin’ your breath?” You asked, placing your hand over a cleaned part of his chest.

His jaw ticked. His eyes closed for a minute and slowly, he nodded.

“You gotta breathe, baby.” You ushered. Holding his face in your hands, you rubbed your thumbs over the highs of his cheek soothingly. “They're not here. It's just me and you.”

When he opened them again, the flash of red made your heart jump. It was gone in a silver of a second, just a trick of the light against his brown hues, but enough to catch your own breath.

He noticed, of course, being too observant when it came to you. He grasped onto your wrists. “I killed him.”

That shouldn't have surprised you. When he showed up looking like a hound dog fresh from a hare hunt, murder was the most obvious answer. Either for him to commit or another to attempt.

Death wasn't a foreign concept anymore. No, not with war on your front porch.

Death had become your neighbor. He was your neighbor just as much as Mary Corono down the street was. When she went missing—as many did, these days—you kept your questions to yourself. The curious cat gets no reward besides his own end. This time, it was your own business. Your own husband. There was no avoiding him.

Still, you didn't know what to do or say to comfort your husband. It must be justified, it must. Remmick was a good man. Remmick was good.

“I don't know what happened,” he swept his hands through blood-crusted hair. “I woke up and everything felt wrong, I felt like I was seeing someone else's life through my own eyes.”

You shifted to sit on the chair opposite him, still not allowing too much distance between the two of you but letting your shaking knees rest.

“I was so hungry.” He exhaled, finally. He didn't take a breath in to counter, just kept talking. “He stood over me and I could see myself through his eyes. He saw himself, too.”

“Did you take something from Peter?” You asked slowly. His dilated pupils could be from the new drug medication. His panic, hunger, violence.

He continued on.

“He saw you. I saw what he would do to you—what he did to me.” Remmick grasped your hands, grip becoming more than firm and certainly bruising. “I couldn't let him get you.”

Fear was in your husband's darkened eyes as plain as moonlight on the lake.

“He was ancient. Older than countries and laws. I couldn't even move my own body at first.” He swallowed harshly, adam's apple bobbing and splitting his throat.

There were no other sounds, you realized. No crickets chirping away or cicadas ruining a peaceful night of sleep. The world felt dead around you, and you started to believe Remmick was telling the truth.

“He had a way of controlling me. Controlling every man he'd ever turned into this. . .” He closed his eyes. “Thing.”

“I couldn't let him get you. I couldn't, baby—” The hoarseness and guilt in his voice broke your heart.

You'd never know what happened in the fields that night. If the man was innocent or guilty. All you could do was trust Remmick like you had for years.

“I'll keep packing.” You managed to mutter, forcing your voice not to tremble. “We'll leave before sunrise. Get cleaned up and into different clothes.”

His eyes flashed a red that nearly matched the dark smears across his clothes. This time, you knew you weren't crazy. There was no light flickered that made a man's eyes blood-lusted and red. You watched his shoulders finally lift on command as he inhaled, lightly resting his jaw against the smooth area of your neck. Automatically, your hands met his hair and you soothed it down, feeling the warm restraint of his large hands around your waist.

"We'll be okay. Wherever we go, whatever life transforms us into." You murmured lowly, kissing his temple. "We're together. That's all we need."

By the time the sun rose in the morning and your neighbors came a’knocking on your door, the house was empty and lanterns cold.

This ended up fairly shorter than what I imagined but basically occurs during the time when Remmick would first be turned, during the time of Ireland's colonization and invasion by two other countries/parties. I thought it would be an interesting concept if he truly did have a wife, and whether or not he turned her is completely up to the reader.

working on some remmick reqs still! feel free to add some more to my inbox.

[quietdeparturesarchive]

10 tips for a 10x better life

0 complaining

Complaining focuses your mind on problems instead of finding solutions. By shifting your energy to action and gratitude, you become more positive, productive, and resilient.

1 (cold) shower/day

Cold showers boost circulation, improve recovery, and increase mental toughness. Even warm showers help refresh your body and mind, setting the tone for a productive day.

2 liters of water/day

Proper hydration improves energy levels, brain function, and digestion. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, and poor concentration—so keep your water intake in check. Tipp: Use a large cup or bottle with 500ml or 1l. It'll help with building the habit if you don't have to get up after every glass

3 hours max screen-time

Excessive screen time can drain your mental clarity, disrupt sleep, and make you less present in real life. Setting limits helps you focus on meaningful activities and personal growth. If setting limits doesn't work: Delete the App that's distracting you the most completely off your phone. For me it was character.ai -> damn this app had me in a chokehold for some while...

4 day resistance training/workout

Regular strength training boosts metabolism, enhances physical and mental health, and increases longevity. Even a few sessions a week can improve confidence and energy. Doesn't mean you have to get a gym-membership -> just go on youtube and find a home-workout that works for you <3

5 mins daily meditation

Meditation reduces stress, enhances focus, and strengthens emotional resilience. Just five minutes a day can help you feel more present, clear-headed, and in control of your thoughts.

6 home-cooked dinners/week

Cooking at home allows you to control ingredients, save money, and eat healthier. It also builds discipline and strengthens your connection to the food you consume.

7 strangers spoken to per week

Engaging with new people improves social skills, confidence, and networking opportunities. You never know what connection, insight, or opportunity a simple conversation might bring.

8 hrs sleep/night

Quality sleep is essential for brain function, recovery, and emotional well-being. Lack of sleep leads to irritability, poor focus, and decreased productivity—prioritize a good rest at night!

9 thousand steps

Walking keeps your body active, improves cardiovascular health, and boosts creativity. It’s an easy, low-impact way to stay fit and clear your mind daily. Put on some headphones, open your favorite playlist and spend some quality time outside.

10 pages reading/day

Reading expands your knowledge, improves focus, and fuels personal growth. Just 10 pages a day can introduce you to new ideas, perspectives, and skills that elevate your life.

xoxo, sally

pic1 | pic2 | pic3

[reasonsforhope]

1. More children are surviving today than ever before.

Close to 8 million more children in the world survive to see their fifth birthday than in 1990 — a 60 percent decline in annual under-five child mortality. 

UNICEF and partners have contributed to this remarkable achievement through proven, sustainable solutions for improving maternal and child health care services and strengthening disease prevention — and delivering those solutions at scale...

2. Vaccines have saved 154 million lives in the last 50 years.

As the world’s largest vaccine supplier, UNICEF procures and distributes enough vaccines annually to immunize 45 percent of the world's children. In 2023, UNICEF supplied 2.8 billion vaccine doses to 105 countries, up from just over 2 billion to 102 countries in 2020. Through widespread immunizations, polio is on the brink of eradication.

3. Safe water is available to over 2.1 billion more people compared to 20 years ago.

Consistent access to a sufficient supply of safe water for drinking, cooking and personal hygiene is the foundation for child survival, healthier lives, stronger economies and more sustainable societies. With support from UNICEF and partners, more than a quarter of the world's population gained access to safe and clean drinking water in the past two decades.

UNICEF-supported programs help ensure access to safe water for 35 million people around the world every year. UNICEF also leads coordinated emergency response efforts related to safe water access in roughly 85 percent of countries affected by crises. In 2023, over 42 million people in 73 countries were reached with emergency water services, helping to prevent outbreaks of cholera and other waterborne diseases.

To help build community resilience to climate shocks, UNICEF has also supported the installation of more than 8,900 solar-powered water systems in 56 countries — an important climate adaption measure that also reduces the use of fossil fuels.

4. The number of children with stunted growth due to malnutrition has declined by 40 percent since 2000.

For more than two decades, UNICEF has been the world’s largest procurer of ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF), procuring up to 80 percent of global demand, ensuring children suffering from severe malnutrition can be treated successfully.

5. Over 68 million child marriages have been averted in the last 25 years, giving girls their childhoods back.

In the late 1990s, 1 in 4 young women aged 20 to 24 were married as children. Today, it's 1 in 5. UNICEF has played an important role in global efforts to end child marriage, supporting 35 countries in implementing action plans, and working at the community level and across the health, education and other sectors to increase knowledge and change attitudes around the practice.

In 2023, UNICEF reached 11 million adolescent girls with prevention and care interventions empowering them to delay marriage and choose their own futures. 

6. Fewer kids are out of school.

The world stands on the cusp of realizing primary education as a basic right of every child. A world where more children learn is a world that is healthier, more prosperous and more resilient.

In the early 1950s, roughly half of all primary school-aged children were out of school. Now it's less than 10 percent. And every year, 23 million more girls are completing secondary school compared to a decade ago...

7. The world is on track to eliminate open defecation by 2030.

In the last two decades, 2.5 billion people have gained access to safely managed sanitation, while the number of people practicing open defecation has also declined by two-thirds — from 1.3 billion in 2000 to 419 million in 2022 — putting the world on track to eliminate the practice entirely. 

Ending open defecation drastically lowers the risks of diseases and malnutrition among children in low-income and lower-middle-income countries. Child deaths from diarrhea — a leading killer of young children — have already decreased by 60 percent...

8. Birth registration rates are way up.

Today, 77 percent of children under 5 are registered, up from 60 percent in the early 2000s — a major leap towards ensuring every child has a legal identity and can access health, education and other essential services...

Countries that prioritize birth registration see rapid progress. In Côte d’Ivoire, birth registration prevalence rose steadily from 65 percent in 2012 to 96 percent by 2021, proving that change at scale is possible.

9. A future free from HIV seems possible, one baby at a time.

An estimated 1.9 million deaths and 4 million HIV infections have been averted among pregnant women and children in the past 25 years...

10. In times of crisis and emergency, UNICEF is there — helping to save more children's lives than any other humanitarian organization.

[Note: Okay, I think they're cheating listing this one, but the article header said 10 things, so if I included only 9 it would be weird. Obviously this is an article from UNICEF, but UNICEF's data, reporting, and statistics are considered to be of high quality.]

-via UNICEF, February 25, 2025