UgandaUganda

Helping moms & babies at UG0259

You are changing the lives of moms and babies at the Murambi Parish Survival Program. Here’s how.

Mom's & BabiesMom's & Babies
Helping moms & babies at UG0259
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The Need

Of the 5.2 million children who die around the world each year, 75 per cent die in the first year of life. Babies are at risk of death due to premature birth complications, complications during childbirth, infections, pneumonia and diarrhea. But this is preventable. With training and support, moms in poverty can be empowered to raise healthy and happy babies.

Our Response

Critical care
Your support helps secure access to pre- and postnatal care, skilled birth attendants and medical intervention when necessary.

Home-based care
Mothers are visited in their homes monthly by a Survival specialist, who offers education in prenatal care and early child-rearing as well as one-on-one biblical mentoring.

Group-based learning
At these church-based activities, moms learn skills to earn an income and gain vital knowledge including basic literacy, the importance of breastfeeding and how to prevent malnutrition and disease. These groups combat isolation through a supportive community of mothers who, together, learn about the God who loves them.

Uganda Stats

Average number of children in household 7
Average age of first-time mothers 18
Births attended by skilled health personnel 13
Stunted growth from malnutrition 28

Activities

Spiritual nurture: Caregivers participated in Bible studies, worship sessions and devotionals, where they sang, prayed and listened to sermons together. Group Bible studies created a safe space for caregivers to discuss their faith and values and develop meaningful relationships with others. During home visits, staff prayed with families, offered spiritual support for Survival caregivers and their families and encouraged caregivers to share Bible stories and verses with their children.

Child development: In group lessons and home visits, staff taught moms how to promote their children’s healthy development. Moms learned how to make age-appropriate toys like dolls and balls from easily accessible materials to help nurture their children’s emotional well-being, language development and critical thinking. Community development officers taught moms about different parenting styles, appropriate forms of discipline and how to foster healthy behaviour as their children age.

Health and hygiene: Moms and babies received regular health screenings to assess growth and development. Those who needed it received treatment. These checkups also helped the staff learn the stage of development of the children. Staff taught moms the importance of hygiene and gave demonstrations on proper hand washing techniques, which is vital for maintaining good health and preventing the spread of infections.

Physical health: Program staff taught moms about the importance of routine vaccinations and following the vaccination schedule. Caregivers learned healthy hygiene habits and how keeping their environment clean can protect their children from illnesses. Babies were given regular height and weight checks to track their growth, monitor their development and assess for signs of malnutrition.

Education: Moms attended workshops where they learned lessons on topics such as the importance of breastfeeding, adequate nutrition for their children, child rights and protection, how play impacts development and health and hygiene. A workshop on postpartum care was attended by mothers and fathers. Caregivers learned about newborn care, the signs of postpartum depression and how male caregivers can support postpartum women.

Group activities: Program staff held group activities such as birthday celebrations and themed events such as workshops during World Breastfeeding Week. Moms participated in fun competitions and sports events, promoting physical exercise. Staff celebrated children’s first birthdays, celebrating with snacks, presents and cake.

Project Stats

This intervention addressed:

Illness subc: Influenza 1
Illness subc: Other 3
Illness subc: Respiratory Tract Infection 5
Breastfeeding Moms 8
Malnourished Babies - Severely Underweight 2
Malnourished Babies - Moderately Underweight 7
Spiritual nurture: Caregivers participated in Bible studies, worship sessions and devotionals, where they sang, prayed and listened to sermons together. Group Bible studies created a safe space for caregivers to discuss their faith and values and develop meaningful relationships with others. During home visits, staff prayed with families, offered spiritual support for Survival caregivers and their families and encouraged caregivers to share Bible stories and verses with their children.
Spiritual nurture: Caregivers participated in Bible studies, worship sessions and devotionals, where they sang, prayed and listened to sermons together. Group Bible studies created a safe space for caregivers to discuss their faith and values and develop meaningful relationships with others. During home visits, staff prayed with families, offered spiritual support for Survival caregivers and their families and encouraged caregivers to share Bible stories and verses with their children.
Spiritual nurture: Caregivers participated in Bible studies, worship sessions and devotionals, where they sang, prayed and listened to sermons together. Group Bible studies created a safe space for caregivers to discuss their faith and values and develop meaningful relationships with others. During home visits, staff prayed with families, offered spiritual support for Survival caregivers and their families and encouraged caregivers to share Bible stories and verses with their children.
Spiritual nurture: Caregivers participated in Bible studies, worship sessions and devotionals, where they sang, prayed and listened to sermons together. Group Bible studies created a safe space for caregivers to discuss their faith and values and develop meaningful relationships with others. During home visits, staff prayed with families, offered spiritual support for Survival caregivers and their families and encouraged caregivers to share Bible stories and verses with their children.
Spiritual nurture: Caregivers participated in Bible studies, worship sessions and devotionals, where they sang, prayed and listened to sermons together. Group Bible studies created a safe space for caregivers to discuss their faith and values and develop meaningful relationships with others. During home visits, staff prayed with families, offered spiritual support for Survival caregivers and their families and encouraged caregivers to share Bible stories and verses with their children.
Spiritual nurture: Caregivers participated in Bible studies, worship sessions and devotionals, where they sang, prayed and listened to sermons together. Group Bible studies created a safe space for caregivers to discuss their faith and values and develop meaningful relationships with others. During home visits, staff prayed with families, offered spiritual support for Survival caregivers and their families and encouraged caregivers to share Bible stories and verses with their children.
Child development: In group lessons and home visits, staff taught moms how to promote their children’s healthy development. Moms learned how to make age-appropriate toys like dolls and balls from easily accessible materials to help nurture their children’s emotional well-being, language development and critical thinking. Community development officers taught moms about different parenting styles, appropriate forms of discipline and how to foster healthy behaviour as their children age.
Child development: In group lessons and home visits, staff taught moms how to promote their children’s healthy development. Moms learned how to make age-appropriate toys like dolls and balls from easily accessible materials to help nurture their children’s emotional well-being, language development and critical thinking. Community development officers taught moms about different parenting styles, appropriate forms of discipline and how to foster healthy behaviour as their children age.
Child development: In group lessons and home visits, staff taught moms how to promote their children’s healthy development. Moms learned how to make age-appropriate toys like dolls and balls from easily accessible materials to help nurture their children’s emotional well-being, language development and critical thinking. Community development officers taught moms about different parenting styles, appropriate forms of discipline and how to foster healthy behaviour as their children age.
Child development: In group lessons and home visits, staff taught moms how to promote their children’s healthy development. Moms learned how to make age-appropriate toys like dolls and balls from easily accessible materials to help nurture their children’s emotional well-being, language development and critical thinking. Community development officers taught moms about different parenting styles, appropriate forms of discipline and how to foster healthy behaviour as their children age.
Child development: In group lessons and home visits, staff taught moms how to promote their children’s healthy development. Moms learned how to make age-appropriate toys like dolls and balls from easily accessible materials to help nurture their children’s emotional well-being, language development and critical thinking. Community development officers taught moms about different parenting styles, appropriate forms of discipline and how to foster healthy behaviour as their children age.
Child development: In group lessons and home visits, staff taught moms how to promote their children’s healthy development. Moms learned how to make age-appropriate toys like dolls and balls from easily accessible materials to help nurture their children’s emotional well-being, language development and critical thinking. Community development officers taught moms about different parenting styles, appropriate forms of discipline and how to foster healthy behaviour as their children age.
Child development: In group lessons and home visits, staff taught moms how to promote their children’s healthy development. Moms learned how to make age-appropriate toys like dolls and balls from easily accessible materials to help nurture their children’s emotional well-being, language development and critical thinking. Community development officers taught moms about different parenting styles, appropriate forms of discipline and how to foster healthy behaviour as their children age.
Child development: In group lessons and home visits, staff taught moms how to promote their children’s healthy development. Moms learned how to make age-appropriate toys like dolls and balls from easily accessible materials to help nurture their children’s emotional well-being, language development and critical thinking. Community development officers taught moms about different parenting styles, appropriate forms of discipline and how to foster healthy behaviour as their children age.
Child development: In group lessons and home visits, staff taught moms how to promote their children’s healthy development. Moms learned how to make age-appropriate toys like dolls and balls from easily accessible materials to help nurture their children’s emotional well-being, language development and critical thinking. Community development officers taught moms about different parenting styles, appropriate forms of discipline and how to foster healthy behaviour as their children age.
Child development: In group lessons and home visits, staff taught moms how to promote their children’s healthy development. Moms learned how to make age-appropriate toys like dolls and balls from easily accessible materials to help nurture their children’s emotional well-being, language development and critical thinking. Community development officers taught moms about different parenting styles, appropriate forms of discipline and how to foster healthy behaviour as their children age.
Child development: In group lessons and home visits, staff taught moms how to promote their children’s healthy development. Moms learned how to make age-appropriate toys like dolls and balls from easily accessible materials to help nurture their children’s emotional well-being, language development and critical thinking. Community development officers taught moms about different parenting styles, appropriate forms of discipline and how to foster healthy behaviour as their children age.
Child development: In group lessons and home visits, staff taught moms how to promote their children’s healthy development. Moms learned how to make age-appropriate toys like dolls and balls from easily accessible materials to help nurture their children’s emotional well-being, language development and critical thinking. Community development officers taught moms about different parenting styles, appropriate forms of discipline and how to foster healthy behaviour as their children age.
Child development: In group lessons and home visits, staff taught moms how to promote their children’s healthy development. Moms learned how to make age-appropriate toys like dolls and balls from easily accessible materials to help nurture their children’s emotional well-being, language development and critical thinking. Community development officers taught moms about different parenting styles, appropriate forms of discipline and how to foster healthy behaviour as their children age.
Child development: In group lessons and home visits, staff taught moms how to promote their children’s healthy development. Moms learned how to make age-appropriate toys like dolls and balls from easily accessible materials to help nurture their children’s emotional well-being, language development and critical thinking. Community development officers taught moms about different parenting styles, appropriate forms of discipline and how to foster healthy behaviour as their children age.
Child development: In group lessons and home visits, staff taught moms how to promote their children’s healthy development. Moms learned how to make age-appropriate toys like dolls and balls from easily accessible materials to help nurture their children’s emotional well-being, language development and critical thinking. Community development officers taught moms about different parenting styles, appropriate forms of discipline and how to foster healthy behaviour as their children age.
Child development: In group lessons and home visits, staff taught moms how to promote their children’s healthy development. Moms learned how to make age-appropriate toys like dolls and balls from easily accessible materials to help nurture their children’s emotional well-being, language development and critical thinking. Community development officers taught moms about different parenting styles, appropriate forms of discipline and how to foster healthy behaviour as their children age.
Health and hygiene: Moms and babies received regular health screenings to assess growth and development. Those who needed it received treatment. These checkups also helped the staff learn the stage of development of the children. Staff taught moms the importance of hygiene and gave demonstrations on proper hand washing techniques, which is vital for maintaining good health and preventing the spread of infections.
Health and hygiene: Moms and babies received regular health screenings to assess growth and development. Those who needed it received treatment. These checkups also helped the staff learn the stage of development of the children. Staff taught moms the importance of hygiene and gave demonstrations on proper hand washing techniques, which is vital for maintaining good health and preventing the spread of infections.
Health and hygiene: Moms and babies received regular health screenings to assess growth and development. Those who needed it received treatment. These checkups also helped the staff learn the stage of development of the children. Staff taught moms the importance of hygiene and gave demonstrations on proper hand washing techniques, which is vital for maintaining good health and preventing the spread of infections.
Health and hygiene: Moms and babies received regular health screenings to assess growth and development. Those who needed it received treatment. These checkups also helped the staff learn the stage of development of the children. Staff taught moms the importance of hygiene and gave demonstrations on proper hand washing techniques, which is vital for maintaining good health and preventing the spread of infections.
Health and hygiene: Moms and babies received regular health screenings to assess growth and development. Those who needed it received treatment. These checkups also helped the staff learn the stage of development of the children. Staff taught moms the importance of hygiene and gave demonstrations on proper hand washing techniques, which is vital for maintaining good health and preventing the spread of infections.
Health and hygiene: Moms and babies received regular health screenings to assess growth and development. Those who needed it received treatment. These checkups also helped the staff learn the stage of development of the children. Staff taught moms the importance of hygiene and gave demonstrations on proper hand washing techniques, which is vital for maintaining good health and preventing the spread of infections.
Physical health: Program staff taught moms about the importance of routine vaccinations and following the vaccination schedule. Caregivers learned healthy hygiene habits and how keeping their environment clean can protect their children from illnesses. Babies were given regular height and weight checks to track their growth, monitor their development and assess for signs of malnutrition.
Physical health: Program staff taught moms about the importance of routine vaccinations and following the vaccination schedule. Caregivers learned healthy hygiene habits and how keeping their environment clean can protect their children from illnesses. Babies were given regular height and weight checks to track their growth, monitor their development and assess for signs of malnutrition.
Education: Moms attended workshops where they learned lessons on topics such as the importance of breastfeeding, adequate nutrition for their children, child rights and protection, how play impacts development and health and hygiene. A workshop on postpartum care was attended by mothers and fathers. Caregivers learned about newborn care, the signs of postpartum depression and how male caregivers can support postpartum women.
Education: Moms attended workshops where they learned lessons on topics such as the importance of breastfeeding, adequate nutrition for their children, child rights and protection, how play impacts development and health and hygiene. A workshop on postpartum care was attended by mothers and fathers. Caregivers learned about newborn care, the signs of postpartum depression and how male caregivers can support postpartum women.
Education: Moms attended workshops where they learned lessons on topics such as the importance of breastfeeding, adequate nutrition for their children, child rights and protection, how play impacts development and health and hygiene. A workshop on postpartum care was attended by mothers and fathers. Caregivers learned about newborn care, the signs of postpartum depression and how male caregivers can support postpartum women.
Education: Moms attended workshops where they learned lessons on topics such as the importance of breastfeeding, adequate nutrition for their children, child rights and protection, how play impacts development and health and hygiene. A workshop on postpartum care was attended by mothers and fathers. Caregivers learned about newborn care, the signs of postpartum depression and how male caregivers can support postpartum women.
Education: Moms attended workshops where they learned lessons on topics such as the importance of breastfeeding, adequate nutrition for their children, child rights and protection, how play impacts development and health and hygiene. A workshop on postpartum care was attended by mothers and fathers. Caregivers learned about newborn care, the signs of postpartum depression and how male caregivers can support postpartum women.
Education: Moms attended workshops where they learned lessons on topics such as the importance of breastfeeding, adequate nutrition for their children, child rights and protection, how play impacts development and health and hygiene. A workshop on postpartum care was attended by mothers and fathers. Caregivers learned about newborn care, the signs of postpartum depression and how male caregivers can support postpartum women.
Education: Moms attended workshops where they learned lessons on topics such as the importance of breastfeeding, adequate nutrition for their children, child rights and protection, how play impacts development and health and hygiene. A workshop on postpartum care was attended by mothers and fathers. Caregivers learned about newborn care, the signs of postpartum depression and how male caregivers can support postpartum women.
Education: Moms attended workshops where they learned lessons on topics such as the importance of breastfeeding, adequate nutrition for their children, child rights and protection, how play impacts development and health and hygiene. A workshop on postpartum care was attended by mothers and fathers. Caregivers learned about newborn care, the signs of postpartum depression and how male caregivers can support postpartum women.
Education: Moms attended workshops where they learned lessons on topics such as the importance of breastfeeding, adequate nutrition for their children, child rights and protection, how play impacts development and health and hygiene. A workshop on postpartum care was attended by mothers and fathers. Caregivers learned about newborn care, the signs of postpartum depression and how male caregivers can support postpartum women.
Education: Moms attended workshops where they learned lessons on topics such as the importance of breastfeeding, adequate nutrition for their children, child rights and protection, how play impacts development and health and hygiene. A workshop on postpartum care was attended by mothers and fathers. Caregivers learned about newborn care, the signs of postpartum depression and how male caregivers can support postpartum women.
Group activities: Program staff held group activities such as birthday celebrations and themed events such as workshops during World Breastfeeding Week. Moms participated in fun competitions and sports events, promoting physical exercise. Staff celebrated children’s first birthdays, celebrating with snacks, presents and cake.
Group activities: Program staff held group activities such as birthday celebrations and themed events such as workshops during World Breastfeeding Week. Moms participated in fun competitions and sports events, promoting physical exercise. Staff celebrated children’s first birthdays, celebrating with snacks, presents and cake.
Group activities: Program staff held group activities such as birthday celebrations and themed events such as workshops during World Breastfeeding Week. Moms participated in fun competitions and sports events, promoting physical exercise. Staff celebrated children’s first birthdays, celebrating with snacks, presents and cake.
Group activities: Program staff held group activities such as birthday celebrations and themed events such as workshops during World Breastfeeding Week. Moms participated in fun competitions and sports events, promoting physical exercise. Staff celebrated children’s first birthdays, celebrating with snacks, presents and cake.
Group activities: Program staff held group activities such as birthday celebrations and themed events such as workshops during World Breastfeeding Week. Moms participated in fun competitions and sports events, promoting physical exercise. Staff celebrated children’s first birthdays, celebrating with snacks, presents and cake.
Group activities: Program staff held group activities such as birthday celebrations and themed events such as workshops during World Breastfeeding Week. Moms participated in fun competitions and sports events, promoting physical exercise. Staff celebrated children’s first birthdays, celebrating with snacks, presents and cake.
Reverend Elias

ReportA message from a pastor

I am Reverend Elias, the pastor of St. Luke Murambi Church of Uganda. I am blessed to be married to Evas, and together, we have been graced with 10 children. Of these, Prosper, Clever, Favor and Believe are our biological children, while Precious, Moses, David, Jesca and Monic, though not biologically ours, are equally cherished under our care.

At present, our church community consists of 377 participants: 313 are centre-based, 44 are home-based and 20 are Survival program participants, all of whom benefit from your generous support. Your kindness has profoundly impacted the lives of those we serve. Your support is a testament to your care for the people of Murambi.

On behalf of Murambi Church of Uganda and the South Ankole Diocese, I extend our deepest gratitude for your unwavering generosity. Your contributions to caregivers’ fellowship, healing and deliverance sessions have made a significant difference. Thanks to your support, we have seen an increase in male participation in church activities, leading many to accept Jesus Christ. We are also grateful to God for the growing attendance at our church services.

Through your support, we have been able to provide essential treatments to sick mothers and children, thereby saving lives and reducing the death rate among vulnerable children. Caregivers have learned crucial skills for caring for their families, including the importance of sleeping under mosquito nets, child protection, disease prevention, health and nutrition, sanitation, healthy parenting, antenatal care and delivering in health centres, leading to safer births. We are also implementing program redesigns focusing on community-wide challenges, such as limited access to safe water and education facilities.

Your invaluable contribution has amplified our impact, allowing us to bring about tangible results, touch hearts and foster growth within the community. We are deeply grateful for your grace in embracing our cause. Words cannot fully express our appreciation. May God bless you abundantly.

Yours in His Vineyard,

Reverend Elias
Mary

ReportA message from those your gift helped

My name is Mary, mother to Daisy and Daniella. I thank God for blessing me with beautiful twins. I thank you so much for your generous and big heart. We really appreciate the love you have shown us as Survival caregivers. My twins are now 10 months old. They are healthy, growing so well and active. They like clapping their hands to rhythm and drumming. They are learning how to stand and walk without support.

I am very excited to write to you and share about myself. I live in Rutooma cell in the Ntungamo district. Rutooma is a rural and peaceful area where most people are involved in agricultural activities. The common crops grown in our area are maize, groundnuts, beans and bananas. We live near our extended family, and the twins often play with their aunts and cousins. Our house is small and made of mud and wattle with three rooms. We prepare our meals outside in our small kitchen.

My husband Julius is a casual labourer and works far away. I also do casual labour to provide food for my twins. We are in the wet season now, and we are weeding maize, beans, groundnuts and bananas. From this, I earn around $3 to $4 per week.

Your kindness and support have helped me a lot. I was surprised to meet workers that cared for me so much when I first joined the Survival program. They visit me every month and have taught me how to care for my babies and breastfeed them. They also educate us on different lessons like family planning, changes in baby’s diet, child protection, maternal health, immunizations, language and communication and home hygiene. We learn a lot and enjoy whenever we go to the centre for group activities where we play different games.

I have learned how to breastfeed my babies and maintain good hygiene by washing my hands before nursing my children. I have also learned how to prepare nutritious food for myself and children when they started eating solids. I learned how to write my name, and I no longer use a thumb print for my signature. I have also learned more about God, and I now attend Sunday services. I have learned how to make liquid and bar soap and petroleum jelly.

I thank God for Murambi Child Development staff, who encourage me to be patient and remain hopeful in Christ. My fellow Survival caregivers are all doing well and send you greetings and appreciation. Thank you for being a beacon of light in our lives. On behalf of Survival caregivers, I thank you so much because your support has helped us get medical treatment, soap, petroleum jelly, nutrition supplements, education, blankets, bed sheets, shoes, drinking water containers, basins, flasks and many other items. Your support is helping to transform the lives of children and caregivers in this community. We love you and wish you God’s blessings.

Yours faithfully,

Mary
Dorothy

ReportA message from a partnership facilitator

Greetings to you in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. My name is Dorothy, the partnership facilitator for UG0259 Murambi Child Development Centre in southwestern Uganda. The program supports mothers as they nurture their babies and achieve developmental milestones.

Thank you for the great support you have given to the church that has allowed them to minister to mothers and their babies, enabling them to survive and thrive for 6 years now. The Survival program at UG0259 Murambi Child Development centre currently ministers to 60 Survival and home-based participants.

Murambi community used to have a high infant mortality rate due to mothers giving birth at home, taking sick babies to herbalists instead of health centres, traditional beliefs that harmed children’s health, poor hygiene and poor parenting methods. I am happy to let you know that this has greatly changed, thanks to the Survival and home-based program—it has transformed the community through education and community outreach, equipping households in safe parenting practices.

Community members have seen a huge change in their way of life. We have seen a change in behaviour and attitude towards life; mothers now giving birth in a hospital and when babies become sick, they are taken to the hospital immediately, regardless of what their mothers think the cause is. Families used to drink unclean water but through networking, community mobilization and complementary interventions, clean water was brought to the community. Now, households have access to clean water, which has helped improved their hygiene.

Mothers have also learned income generation skills such as soap and jelly making, shoe making and belt making. As a result, they are able to generate an income and support their families. Fathers have also been equipped with parenting skills and livelihood skills. They have learned about the importance of saving their income and building healthy relationships. These life skills have helped fathers better support their wives and created stable families.

Mothers and fathers have given their lives to Christ, thanks to conferences and zonal fellowships. A lot has been done by the church, thanks to your tremendous support.

Again, I want to thank you so very much for the support and prayers you have given to the church, enabling babies and their families to survive and thrive to the glory of God.

God bless you always,

Dorothy