Helping moms & babies in the Philippines

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.

Philippines Stats

Activities

Education: Moms met each month to learn lessons on topics such as nutrition during pregnancy, the importance of breastfeeding, postpartum care, preparing nutritious meals, spiritual development and health and hygiene. During a basic First Aid seminar, moms learned what to do in case of an emergency and when to seek medical care. Caregivers also attended a child protection seminar.

Spiritual nurture: During dedication ceremonies at church, caregivers acknowledged their children as gifts from God and committed to guiding and nurturing them as they grow. Staff prayed with moms and their families during group activities and home visits. Pastors also offered parenting and marriage counselling sessions. Caregivers participated in Bible studies and devotionals and shared their testimonies. Families also attended a fellowship activity at a beach resort, where they celebrated God’s goodness with praise and worship, prayer, a message on inner beauty, a banquet meal and games.

Health and nutrition: Staff gave monthly food baskets to caregivers, so they could prepare nourishing meals for their children. Program staff regularly checked babies’ height and weight to monitor their development. Pregnant and postnatal moms received medical care from physicians and support from staff.

Income generation: Moms attended income generation workshops to learn marketable skills. During baking and cooking classes, participants learned how to make a variety of delicious desserts and traditional snacks like palitaw (flat rice cake). In rug-making workshops, moms worked together to design and make beautiful rugs. Moms also attended financial management classes, giving them the knowledge and tools needed to effectively manage their income, create budgets and save money.

Life skills: During group meetings, program staff taught moms lessons on topics such as time management and the importance of self-worth. Moms learned crucial communication skills, helping them better manage conflict and build healthy relationships. Staff also encouraged moms to share the workload at home with their partners, prioritize their mental health and develop support networks.

Child development: Moms enjoyed participating in activities at the centre with their babies, where they learned how to stimulate their children’s physical, emotional and cognitive development. Staff taught moms to value deeper character traits such as honesty, kindness and compassion in themselves and in their children over external achievements or physical looks. Children socialized with other babies, moms and program staff, gaining crucial social and communication skills.

Project Stats

This intervention addressed: