Pictured above: Caregivers from AIC Kathonzweni Child Development Center receive water storage tanks for their homes.
Thank you for your support of Survival in Kenya, especially during this difficult season. Mothers and babies are receiving critical resources during the pandemic through home visits and group lessons at the church. This report includes the most recent Survival data specific to this center, photos of activities, and a letter of gratitude from a caregiver you support. May this update be a blessing to you!
Survival Statistics at AIC Kathonzweni (July – December 2020)
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- 23 Babies and their mothers served
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- 8 Compassion-assisted births occured
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- 100% of babies born at normal weight
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- 1 baby, on average per month, treated for malnutrition
Recent Survival Activities
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- A Survival Specialist visits a caregiver in her home, and they discuss the importance of family planning.
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- An expecting caregiver learns about different foods that can be helpful to a baby’s development during pregnancy.
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- During a group activity, caregivers play with their babies to develop different fine and gross motor skills.
A Letter of Gratitude from a Caregiver at AIC Kathonzweni
Hello Friends,
My name is Tabitha, and I am a Survival mother at AIC Kathonzweni. I am grateful to be one of the beneficiaries in the Survival program. I live with my parents, siblings, and my two children in a small village. We attend AIC Kathonzweni Church where I am a choir member, and I also perform different duties at the church. It is my prayer that God will enable me to be in full-time ministry.
We live in a small, traditional house with two rooms and a kitchen. My parents keep a few goats and raise some chickens, too. I am a single mother with two children. My first-born is in fourth grade and my second-born is in preschool. I am expecting my third child and am eight months pregnant. I used to struggle to feed my children, however with the help of my parents and the Survival program, life is easier. We are happy that there are currently no travel restrictions and the curfew hours have been reduced. People are able to freely look for jobs while observing health guidelines. God is always good and kind to His people. I am currently jobless with no source of income, but I will try to find a job after I give birth.
My family and I farm to help provide for our needs. We are happy the rain is sufficient this year, and we are expecting a large yield. We planted mid-November, and now we are digging. I thank God I am healthy and doing well. I am grateful for all the trainings and the follow-up visits from church staff. I now sleep under a mosquito net, thanks to Survival. I eat a balanced diet after learning about the importance of the “First 1,000 Days” mothers’ guide given to me by the Survival staff. The Survival staff also provide me with food supplements that have been very helpful, especially during this trying season of COVID-19.
Survival has helped me in understanding the importance of social interaction, good communication, and taking good care of myself for the healthy development of my unborn baby. I always feel encouraged when they reach out to me at home and at church. I want to thank you for helping me grow spiritually through Bible study and your prayers. I really appreciate the knowledge gained through the curriculum lessons. Please pray for my peace of mind, a job and good health. Pray also for my children and my family. Finally, please pray for a safe delivery of my baby. Thank you for your love and support. May our almighty God shower you with His blessings!
Yours faithfully,
Tabitha
*Letter edited for clarity.