Survival Program: The Start of a Brighter Future
Every year, 1 million babies die before they are a day old. Most deaths occur in areas heavily affected by poverty, a result of poor nutrition, preventable illness, and lack of quality care at birth.
That’s why Compassion’s Survival program concentrates on serving infants and mothers in poverty. The Lord asks his people to step into the pain and suffering of vulnerable mothers and babies of the world, bringing support, providing care, and sharing the love of Christ with “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40, NIV). It’s part of our mission and calling as the Body of Christ.
In response to that call, Compassion’s Survival program concentrates on helping as many babies as possible reach their crucial first birthday. Through partnership with local churches, these interventions have saved and improved the lives of thousands of mothers and their babies in need.
Thank you for partnering with Compassion in this work in Rwanda. Your generous support allows Compassion and its church partner, Evangelical Restoration Church (ERC), in Kigali, Rwanda, to provide the Survival program — meeting the most pressing needs of expectant mothers, new moms and their precious little ones.
Compassion’s Record of Success
Compassion’s comprehensive approach to infant survival has proven effective. In 2022:
- More than 11,700 babies were born to Compassion-assisted mothers.
- 100% of infants were monitored for malnutrition, and treatment was offered to every baby who needed it.
- Over 82% of births were attended by a skilled birth assistant.
- More than 93% of all newborns registered in Compassion’s Survival program had a normal birth weight.
Community Profile
The Survival program is delivered by staff at the child development center operated by the church, ERC Kimisagara. The church is located in a hilly community that is home to approximately 360,000 residents. Typical houses are constructed of dirt floors, mud walls and tin roofs. The primary ethnic group is Banyarwanda and the commonly spoken language is Kinyarwanda. The regional diet consists of beans, bananas, rice and potatoes. Common health problems in this area include malaria, malnutrition and worms. Most adults work as subsistence farmers and earn the equivalent of $11 per month.
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- At a Compassion church partner in Rwanda, Survival caregivers use knitting machines to make clothing and other items. Income-generation training empowers women to provide for their families.
With Gratitude
Thank you for your gift of $10,410 to provide hope to vulnerable mothers and their babies through Compassion’s Survival program at ERC Kimisagara. Your generosity provides the church with the resources they need to fully support the babies and mothers receiving Survival care. We look forward to bringing you updates on the impact of your gift!