Hope is Flourishing for Mothers and Babies in Rwanda

Church at Brook Hills, thank you for your continued support of mothers and babies in Rwanda! We are happy to bring you the latest report from the Nyakabungo and Nyamyumba Child Development Centers. Collectively, these two centers are providing holistic care to 29 mothers and their babies. Mothers in the program learn about proper nutrition, gain microenterprise training, and receive spiritual care. After studying about the importance of vegetables, one of the caregivers grew a garden of cabbage and greens (pictured above). This garden has become a source of both income and healthy food for her family. In this update, you will find Survival statistics from Rwanda, photos of recent activities at both centers, and a letter from a grateful mother.

Survival Statistics from Nyakabungo Child Development Center (July – December 2019)

Recent Survival Activities at the Nyakabungo Child Development Center

Caregivers attended a workshop on nutrition. Led by a health specialist, this workshop discussed the benefits of a balanced diet and provided tips to prepare nutritious meals.

Mothers participate in Bible studies and attend Sunday services at the local church. As a result of sharing the gospel and spiritual formation, some mothers have professed saving faith in Jesus Christ.

Each month, Survival Specialists record the weight and length of each baby to track their development.

A Letter From a Caregiver at the Nyamyumba Student Center

Manishimwe is the mother of a 10-month-old baby girl named Ishimwe. She shares about how the Survival program has positively impacted her family.

Dear Friends,

I greet you in the mighty name of Jesus our Lord. I am Manishimwe and live with my husband, Zanamahoro and daughter Ishimwe.

I thank God for the church that chose me to participate in the Survival program. The program has changed my life. I have met many other new mothers and together we learn God’s Word and discover His plan for our lives. We know His plan is not to harm us but to prosper us and give us hope and a future.

The program’s classes have been very informative. I particularly enjoyed the courses on early childhood development and how to prepare a balanced meal. I have learned a skill that I plan to use to help generate some income for my family. The program has provided me and my baby with clothes, food and basic health and hygiene necessities. The program has given me tremendous wisdom on how to parent well and raise my daughter with hope and confidence.

My life has changed immensely, and I am filled with hope. I pray that God will continue to bless you.

Manishimwe

Survival Statistics from Nyamyumba Child Development Center (July – December 2019)

Recent Survival Activities at the Nyamyumba Child Development Center

Caregivers receive training to gain income-generating skills. At the Nyamyumba Center, mothers learn how to weave intricate baskets, wallets and bags to sell. Other microenterprise workshops are offered in tailoring and vegetable gardening.

The Survival program has activities and services provided both at a host church and in the mothers’ homes. Survival Specialists provide new mothers with critical supplies like nutritious food, vitamin supplements and baby necessities such as blankets and diapers.

Babies are Thriving at the Nyamyumba and Myakabungo Child Development Centers

Thanks to your support, these babies have recently reached their first birthdays and transitioned to home-based care through Compassion’s Sponsorship Program. They will continue their growth with the guidance provided to them from the staff at the Nyamyumba and Nyakabungo Child Development Centers.