Pictured above: Caregivers from Africa Inland Church Ndarakwa learn about the benefits of breastfeeding.
Greetings, IntelliTect! Thank you for your faithful support of Survival programming at Africa Inland Church Ndarakwa. Your great generosity is helping babies to survive the crucial first 12 months, when their lives are at the greatest risk and they are most vulnerable to illness and hunger. At Africa Inland Church Ndarakwa in the southern region of Kenya, your support is providing proper nutrition, access to medical care, and a broad range of life-saving neonatal and postnatal supports for both infants and their mothers.
Ministry Progress at Africa Inland Church Ndarakwa (July – December 2021)
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- 21 babies and their mothers served
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- 5 babies were born, and 80% had a healthy birth weight
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- 3 pregnant mothers are receiving prenatal care
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- 1 baby, on average per month, received malnutrition treatment
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- 5 babies reached their first birthday and have transitioned to the Sponsorship program
Survival Program Spotlight: Delivery Care
The health of mothers and newborns is intricately related. Because of this, Compassion church partners provide prenatal care to give expectant moms and their babies the support they need for a safe and healthy birth. Mothers are able to attend prenatal medical appointments, when in the past they could never have considered such an expense. They also receive transportation to their local health center or hospital so they can keep those appointments.
If their pregnancy has proceeded smoothly, skilled birth attendants guide and support them through the birthing process. Mothers who develop complications are connected to advanced medical care (including surgery, if necessary). After the babies arrive, the program gifts the new moms with baskets full of hygiene supplies and newborn necessities. All of this is possible through your generous giving!
A Letter of Hope from Esther
Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ. My name is Esther, and my daughter’s name is Mary. I joined the Survival program when I was pregnant. My daughter was born in a medical facility, and I am grateful to the church for the help they provided during my delivery. When Mary was born, I learned about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. I also learned about feeding my baby with complementary foods after six months. I was given a book called “The First 1,000 Days,” and it has been a great help to me. I have also learned about the importance of immunizations, and now my baby is fully immunized.
I am thankful that I have learned about the importance of growth monitoring, and I make sure that Mary is measured each month. Mary is growing well and is very healthy. I have benefited very much from this program. I received a Bible, which helps me in both individual and family devotions. I have also learned skills through the Survival program, including soap making, cooking, knitting and bead work. These income-generating skills are very important to me as they have helped me support my family financially.
I have learned many things from the lessons at the church such as child care, family planning, keeping my home clean, and how to interact with other people. I have also been taught how to protect my family members from disease. I am really happy I learned about cancer awareness and how to do a self-screening for breast cancer. I taught my friends in the community how to do it, too. I want to conclude by thanking all of you, and I pray that God blesses you so much!
*Letter edited for clarity.
Recent Survival Activities at Africa Inland Church Ndarakwa
Click the arrow on the right side of the image to view a gallery of recent photos from Africa Inland Church Ndarakwa.