We are so grateful that you have chosen to partner with Compassion in funding a survival program in Kenya. This program is so important in this area because so many babies die every day around the world before they reach their first birthday. On top of that, many mothers are single, providing for their families on their own. In Kenya, even if they are married, husbands have trouble finding steady work, resulting in an unstable and uncertain environment for the moms and babies.
Through the survival program, mothers are taught how to properly care for their baby during pregnancy. They are taught about healthy diets, given medical check-ups and other prenatal care. Project workers conduct home visits where they check, monitor and track the child’s developmental milestones. The checks include weight and height measurements, checking eyes, mouth, ears, breathing, heart beats, immunization cards and skin rashes to detect any indicators of ill health. This way, they can make sure the babies are growing healthy.
Recently, welcoming kits were given to mothers with new babies, which included clothes and other supplies to care for their newborn. The mom and baby were also given a health screening where issues could be addressed, the moms could ask questions, and preventative measures were taken to make sure the baby could grow up happy and healthy.
Mothers in the survival program are also given income generation opportunities. Irene, a mother in the survival program writes:
“We live in a densely populated area where many residents are casual laborers with no stable source of income. We rent a two room, semi-permanent home. Most people work in other people’s farms where they earn less than $2 per day. My husband is a casual laborer, and I stay home to take care of the young baby. I thank God for granting me an opportunity to at the survival program. They have taught me how to generate income for my family through chickens. Because of the program, I currently have 6 chickens, and five of them are laying eggs. In a day, I usually collect four to five eggs of which I use some to supplement my family’s diet. I can also sell the surplus to help my family and new baby.”
Your partnership in the survival program ensures that babies will have a healthy start to life, but it also brings mothers hope and dignity as they are able to raise the babies to be healthy and provide financially for their families. Because of your support and partnership with the staff, these babies will grow up in a community that cares for them, guides them, and teaches them about God’s love.
Thank you for partnering with the Compassion Survival Program.
