EthiopiaEthiopia

Helping moms & babies in Ethiopia

You are changing the lives of moms and babies. Here’s how.

Mom's & BabiesMom's & Babies
Helping moms & babies in Ethiopia
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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.

Ethiopia Stats

Average number of children in household 6
Average age of first-time mothers 16
Births attended by skilled health personnel 27
Stunted growth from malnutrition 38

Activities

Health: Staff measured the weight and height of babies in the program to assess their growth and see if they are reaching the developmental milestones according to their age. Those who need it receive intervention such as medical treatment and supplemental food and vitamins. Moms and babies also received regular medical checkups by a doctor. All the babies in the program are healthy, growing well and thriving.

Home visits: Implementers visited moms in their homes once a month. These visits allowed implementers to assess how the moms were implementing what they’ve learned and to give customized training on issues where they are struggling. Staff prayed with families and counselled caregivers on childcare.

Nutrition: Moms received food staples such as flour, pasta, rice and cooking oil, so they can prepare balanced meals for their families. These provisions were greatly appreciated by the mothers because they cannot afford to buy them on a regular basis. Moms also learned to prepare nutritious flour from a variety of cereals. Moms prepared the flour and shared it to cook nutrient-rich porridge for to introduce as a first solid food for their babies.

Group activities: Moms gathered regularly at the centre to learn about various topics, pray and read the Word together, share their experiences and enjoy fellowship over coffee. Moms have developed strong friendships as a result. The curriculum lessons have increased their awareness on childcare, health and parenting. We also celebrated babies’ birthdays with the moms and babies in the program.

Hygiene: Staff gave moms hygiene kits and toiletries such as hair oil. Moms learned basic hygiene practices and were encouraged to implement them to help prevent illness. The moms were so happy to receive these gifts since they often cannot afford them.

Spiritual growth: Moms learned more about the love of God through group devotionals, Bible studies and prayer. Church leaders taught both moms and dads the Word of God at the centre. The leaders prayed for them and encouraged them to put their hope in God. Several caregivers have experienced physical and spiritual healing, and some have accepted Jesus as their Saviour.

Project Stats

This intervention addressed:

Full-term births 27
Illness: Non-Communicable Diseases 8
Pregnancies 26
Illness subc: Respiratory Tract Infection 2
Breastfeeding Moms 17
Malnourished Babies - Severely Underweight 4
Attended births 27
Malnourished Babies - Moderately Underweight 20
Normal birth weights 27
Health: Staff measured the weight and height of babies in the program to assess their growth and see if they are reaching the developmental milestones according to their age. Those who need it receive intervention such as medical treatment and supplemental food and vitamins. Moms and babies also received regular medical checkups by a doctor. All the babies in the program are healthy, growing well and thriving.
Health: Staff measured the weight and height of babies in the program to assess their growth and see if they are reaching the developmental milestones according to their age. Those who need it receive intervention such as medical treatment and supplemental food and vitamins. Moms and babies also received regular medical checkups by a doctor. All the babies in the program are healthy, growing well and thriving.
Health: Staff measured the weight and height of babies in the program to assess their growth and see if they are reaching the developmental milestones according to their age. Those who need it receive intervention such as medical treatment and supplemental food and vitamins. Moms and babies also received regular medical checkups by a doctor. All the babies in the program are healthy, growing well and thriving.
Health: Staff measured the weight and height of babies in the program to assess their growth and see if they are reaching the developmental milestones according to their age. Those who need it receive intervention such as medical treatment and supplemental food and vitamins. Moms and babies also received regular medical checkups by a doctor. All the babies in the program are healthy, growing well and thriving.
Health: Staff measured the weight and height of babies in the program to assess their growth and see if they are reaching the developmental milestones according to their age. Those who need it receive intervention such as medical treatment and supplemental food and vitamins. Moms and babies also received regular medical checkups by a doctor. All the babies in the program are healthy, growing well and thriving.
Health: Staff measured the weight and height of babies in the program to assess their growth and see if they are reaching the developmental milestones according to their age. Those who need it receive intervention such as medical treatment and supplemental food and vitamins. Moms and babies also received regular medical checkups by a doctor. All the babies in the program are healthy, growing well and thriving.
Health: Staff measured the weight and height of babies in the program to assess their growth and see if they are reaching the developmental milestones according to their age. Those who need it receive intervention such as medical treatment and supplemental food and vitamins. Moms and babies also received regular medical checkups by a doctor. All the babies in the program are healthy, growing well and thriving.
Health: Staff measured the weight and height of babies in the program to assess their growth and see if they are reaching the developmental milestones according to their age. Those who need it receive intervention such as medical treatment and supplemental food and vitamins. Moms and babies also received regular medical checkups by a doctor. All the babies in the program are healthy, growing well and thriving.
Home visits: Implementers visited moms in their homes once a month. These visits allowed implementers to assess how the moms were implementing what they’ve learned and to give customized training on issues where they are struggling. Staff prayed with families and counselled caregivers on childcare.
Home visits: Implementers visited moms in their homes once a month. These visits allowed implementers to assess how the moms were implementing what they’ve learned and to give customized training on issues where they are struggling. Staff prayed with families and counselled caregivers on childcare.
Home visits: Implementers visited moms in their homes once a month. These visits allowed implementers to assess how the moms were implementing what they’ve learned and to give customized training on issues where they are struggling. Staff prayed with families and counselled caregivers on childcare.
Home visits: Implementers visited moms in their homes once a month. These visits allowed implementers to assess how the moms were implementing what they’ve learned and to give customized training on issues where they are struggling. Staff prayed with families and counselled caregivers on childcare.
Home visits: Implementers visited moms in their homes once a month. These visits allowed implementers to assess how the moms were implementing what they’ve learned and to give customized training on issues where they are struggling. Staff prayed with families and counselled caregivers on childcare.
Home visits: Implementers visited moms in their homes once a month. These visits allowed implementers to assess how the moms were implementing what they’ve learned and to give customized training on issues where they are struggling. Staff prayed with families and counselled caregivers on childcare.
Home visits: Implementers visited moms in their homes once a month. These visits allowed implementers to assess how the moms were implementing what they’ve learned and to give customized training on issues where they are struggling. Staff prayed with families and counselled caregivers on childcare.
Home visits: Implementers visited moms in their homes once a month. These visits allowed implementers to assess how the moms were implementing what they’ve learned and to give customized training on issues where they are struggling. Staff prayed with families and counselled caregivers on childcare.
Nutrition: Moms received food staples such as flour, pasta, rice and cooking oil, so they can prepare balanced meals for their families. These provisions were greatly appreciated by the mothers because they cannot afford to buy them on a regular basis. Moms also learned to prepare nutritious flour from a variety of cereals. Moms prepared the flour and shared it to cook nutrient-rich porridge for to introduce as a first solid food for their babies.
Nutrition: Moms received food staples such as flour, pasta, rice and cooking oil, so they can prepare balanced meals for their families. These provisions were greatly appreciated by the mothers because they cannot afford to buy them on a regular basis. Moms also learned to prepare nutritious flour from a variety of cereals. Moms prepared the flour and shared it to cook nutrient-rich porridge for to introduce as a first solid food for their babies.
Nutrition: Moms received food staples such as flour, pasta, rice and cooking oil, so they can prepare balanced meals for their families. These provisions were greatly appreciated by the mothers because they cannot afford to buy them on a regular basis. Moms also learned to prepare nutritious flour from a variety of cereals. Moms prepared the flour and shared it to cook nutrient-rich porridge for to introduce as a first solid food for their babies.
Nutrition: Moms received food staples such as flour, pasta, rice and cooking oil, so they can prepare balanced meals for their families. These provisions were greatly appreciated by the mothers because they cannot afford to buy them on a regular basis. Moms also learned to prepare nutritious flour from a variety of cereals. Moms prepared the flour and shared it to cook nutrient-rich porridge for to introduce as a first solid food for their babies.
Nutrition: Moms received food staples such as flour, pasta, rice and cooking oil, so they can prepare balanced meals for their families. These provisions were greatly appreciated by the mothers because they cannot afford to buy them on a regular basis. Moms also learned to prepare nutritious flour from a variety of cereals. Moms prepared the flour and shared it to cook nutrient-rich porridge for to introduce as a first solid food for their babies.
Nutrition: Moms received food staples such as flour, pasta, rice and cooking oil, so they can prepare balanced meals for their families. These provisions were greatly appreciated by the mothers because they cannot afford to buy them on a regular basis. Moms also learned to prepare nutritious flour from a variety of cereals. Moms prepared the flour and shared it to cook nutrient-rich porridge for to introduce as a first solid food for their babies.
Nutrition: Moms received food staples such as flour, pasta, rice and cooking oil, so they can prepare balanced meals for their families. These provisions were greatly appreciated by the mothers because they cannot afford to buy them on a regular basis. Moms also learned to prepare nutritious flour from a variety of cereals. Moms prepared the flour and shared it to cook nutrient-rich porridge for to introduce as a first solid food for their babies.
Nutrition: Moms received food staples such as flour, pasta, rice and cooking oil, so they can prepare balanced meals for their families. These provisions were greatly appreciated by the mothers because they cannot afford to buy them on a regular basis. Moms also learned to prepare nutritious flour from a variety of cereals. Moms prepared the flour and shared it to cook nutrient-rich porridge for to introduce as a first solid food for their babies.
Group activities: Moms gathered regularly at the centre to learn about various topics, pray and read the Word together, share their experiences and enjoy fellowship over coffee. Moms have developed strong friendships as a result. The curriculum lessons have increased their awareness on childcare, health and parenting. We also celebrated babies’ birthdays with the moms and babies in the program.
Group activities: Moms gathered regularly at the centre to learn about various topics, pray and read the Word together, share their experiences and enjoy fellowship over coffee. Moms have developed strong friendships as a result. The curriculum lessons have increased their awareness on childcare, health and parenting. We also celebrated babies’ birthdays with the moms and babies in the program.
Group activities: Moms gathered regularly at the centre to learn about various topics, pray and read the Word together, share their experiences and enjoy fellowship over coffee. Moms have developed strong friendships as a result. The curriculum lessons have increased their awareness on childcare, health and parenting. We also celebrated babies’ birthdays with the moms and babies in the program.
Group activities: Moms gathered regularly at the centre to learn about various topics, pray and read the Word together, share their experiences and enjoy fellowship over coffee. Moms have developed strong friendships as a result. The curriculum lessons have increased their awareness on childcare, health and parenting. We also celebrated babies’ birthdays with the moms and babies in the program.
Group activities: Moms gathered regularly at the centre to learn about various topics, pray and read the Word together, share their experiences and enjoy fellowship over coffee. Moms have developed strong friendships as a result. The curriculum lessons have increased their awareness on childcare, health and parenting. We also celebrated babies’ birthdays with the moms and babies in the program.
Group activities: Moms gathered regularly at the centre to learn about various topics, pray and read the Word together, share their experiences and enjoy fellowship over coffee. Moms have developed strong friendships as a result. The curriculum lessons have increased their awareness on childcare, health and parenting. We also celebrated babies’ birthdays with the moms and babies in the program.
Group activities: Moms gathered regularly at the centre to learn about various topics, pray and read the Word together, share their experiences and enjoy fellowship over coffee. Moms have developed strong friendships as a result. The curriculum lessons have increased their awareness on childcare, health and parenting. We also celebrated babies’ birthdays with the moms and babies in the program.
Group activities: Moms gathered regularly at the centre to learn about various topics, pray and read the Word together, share their experiences and enjoy fellowship over coffee. Moms have developed strong friendships as a result. The curriculum lessons have increased their awareness on childcare, health and parenting. We also celebrated babies’ birthdays with the moms and babies in the program.
Group activities: Moms gathered regularly at the centre to learn about various topics, pray and read the Word together, share their experiences and enjoy fellowship over coffee. Moms have developed strong friendships as a result. The curriculum lessons have increased their awareness on childcare, health and parenting. We also celebrated babies’ birthdays with the moms and babies in the program.
Group activities: Moms gathered regularly at the centre to learn about various topics, pray and read the Word together, share their experiences and enjoy fellowship over coffee. Moms have developed strong friendships as a result. The curriculum lessons have increased their awareness on childcare, health and parenting. We also celebrated babies’ birthdays with the moms and babies in the program.
Hygiene: Staff gave moms hygiene kits and toiletries such as hair oil. Moms learned basic hygiene practices and were encouraged to implement them to help prevent illness. The moms were so happy to receive these gifts since they often cannot afford them.
Hygiene: Staff gave moms hygiene kits and toiletries such as hair oil. Moms learned basic hygiene practices and were encouraged to implement them to help prevent illness. The moms were so happy to receive these gifts since they often cannot afford them.
Hygiene: Staff gave moms hygiene kits and toiletries such as hair oil. Moms learned basic hygiene practices and were encouraged to implement them to help prevent illness. The moms were so happy to receive these gifts since they often cannot afford them.
Hygiene: Staff gave moms hygiene kits and toiletries such as hair oil. Moms learned basic hygiene practices and were encouraged to implement them to help prevent illness. The moms were so happy to receive these gifts since they often cannot afford them.
Hygiene: Staff gave moms hygiene kits and toiletries such as hair oil. Moms learned basic hygiene practices and were encouraged to implement them to help prevent illness. The moms were so happy to receive these gifts since they often cannot afford them.
Hygiene: Staff gave moms hygiene kits and toiletries such as hair oil. Moms learned basic hygiene practices and were encouraged to implement them to help prevent illness. The moms were so happy to receive these gifts since they often cannot afford them.
Spiritual growth: Moms learned more about the love of God through group devotionals, Bible studies and prayer. Church leaders taught both moms and dads the Word of God at the centre. The leaders prayed for them and encouraged them to put their hope in God. Several caregivers have experienced physical and spiritual healing, and some have accepted Jesus as their Saviour.
Spiritual growth: Moms learned more about the love of God through group devotionals, Bible studies and prayer. Church leaders taught both moms and dads the Word of God at the centre. The leaders prayed for them and encouraged them to put their hope in God. Several caregivers have experienced physical and spiritual healing, and some have accepted Jesus as their Saviour.
Spiritual growth: Moms learned more about the love of God through group devotionals, Bible studies and prayer. Church leaders taught both moms and dads the Word of God at the centre. The leaders prayed for them and encouraged them to put their hope in God. Several caregivers have experienced physical and spiritual healing, and some have accepted Jesus as their Saviour.
Spiritual growth: Moms learned more about the love of God through group devotionals, Bible studies and prayer. Church leaders taught both moms and dads the Word of God at the centre. The leaders prayed for them and encouraged them to put their hope in God. Several caregivers have experienced physical and spiritual healing, and some have accepted Jesus as their Saviour.
Hanna

ReportA message from a caregiver

I was born in Nekemte, Ethiopia, and my father separated from us when I was a child. My mother used to bake injera (flatbread made from teff flour) for five family members herself by going around to people’s houses. As I was about to complete my third-grade classes, I started a relationship with a boy. We were together for some time, and I suddenly became pregnant when I was 17.

I was afraid and hopeless. I discontinued my education, and I stayed home for one year. I decided to abort the fetus and when I discussed it with my boyfriend, he said that I could if I wanted. I was so disappointed in him; he said that because I was carrying the baby. I gave up hope. I wanted to kill myself.

I coped with the different curses and accusations thrown at me. Even if I had sinned against God, He is good and nothing that I had thought happened. When my time came, I gave birth to my baby Oromiya. After I returned home from the hospital, I multiplied my mother’s problems. A sister from our neighbourhood who worked at the kebele (district administration) came to our home. She suggested I go to the kebele so they would connect me to organizations who support people like me and raise my child. They also wrote to this Survival program, and I came and got registered.

There are so many differences from before and after the Survival program; the difference is like comparing light and darkness. At first, let alone what to eat, drink and wear, we were questioning whether we would continue living or if our lives were ending. But since I came to this program, they comforted me with God’s Word first. Then, they pointed out to me that there is another way to live. The program has made me forget my worries until they were like a dream by providing me with foodstuff, soaps, diapers, cooking oil, etc. The support has overflown to my four family members, beyond me and my child. God has done this for us. Even if my baby girl was work without the will and desire of us all, the Lord has reversed our sadness and hopelessness because of her and this program and has made her the reason for our thanksgiving. All the family looks to her with loving eyes and adores her.

At first, my baby bothered me because my breasts didn’t have milk as I didn’t get proper food and gave birth very young. My baby was vulnerable to illness because of her crying, lack of sleep and so much hunger. I didn’t have money to get her treated, as well. She was badly affected by sickness. I didn’t have any money to buy clothes, soaps, diapers, etc. But now, she is constantly getting milk supply every month, clothes and sanitation items regularly. Her sickness is history now. Blessed be the Lord!

I don’t have enough words, but I say may the Sovereign Lord God who is holding everything together in His hands bless you! May the God of heaven be a shelter and covering for you just as you embraced and became a shelter for me. I had given up hope, closed my doors and was waiting for death and shame when you reached out for me and let my light continue. I love you very, very much! May the Lord honour you! Your value is thought of before God!

Your sister,

Hanna
Pastor Samuel, ET0451

ReportA message from a pastor

First and foremost, may God bless you. God has given you a heart for those living in poverty and a ministry to help them.

With the financial assistance we received, pregnant women and those who gave birth and have children under the age of one year are receiving holistic services as program participants. These include health monitoring, food assistance, clothing (for both mother and child) and so on.

When we look back and see mothers filled with great hope, we praise God. These were the women who were raped and became pregnant. They were so hopeless that they considered suicide because they had no idea how to raise a child in their current situation. But now their hope has been restored, and all of this is possible thanks to God’s intervention, for which we are grateful.

Finally, because of the Survival program, the impact of our program has been evident among the signatories in the government office and the community we live in. As a result, the program has increased church goodwill. Thank God for this wonderful opportunity.

May the Lord bless you and keep you in his grace!

Blessings,

Pastor Samuel, ET0451
Feleku

ReportA message from those your gift helped

Firstly, may the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. My name is Feleku. I am a mother of two children. It has been 10 months since I entered the Survival program. I and my children are doing very well, thanks be to God. The house I have rented is not that far from the centre’s office; it is at an average distance. I am very happy to be embraced by the program.

I and my children have seen many changes since we entered this program. We are receiving additional food support monthly. As soon as I joined the program, I was given a blanket, and clothes were bought for my baby girl two times. I am being given two soaps and one ointment every month. This has benefited me a lot. I have also received 25 kilograms of teff (Ethiopian staple grain), 3 litres of cooking oil and 2 litres of liquid detergent for Christmas.

I am learning curriculum education, health education and God’s Word. My baby’s growth is very good. My baby plays with the other babies in the playroom in the centre’s compound. Thanks be to God. We cook food together in the centre’s compound and feed our children.

I am getting many benefits from this program. I have learned about caring for children, how to prepare food for children and about their nutrition as I have learned health education. I and my children have benefited in many ways. My hopes for my children are that they will grow, be educated and reach good positions. I hope that they will benefit their country beyond themselves.

God bless you for what you have done for me and the support you will continue to give me. Thank you very much. God be with you. Goodbye.

Feleku