Helping moms & babies at HA0781
You are changing the lives of moms and babies at the Cité Chauvel Survival Program. Here’s how.
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.
Haiti Stats
Average number of children in household | 8 |
Average age of first-time mothers | 12 |
Births attended by skilled health personnel | 40 |
Stunted growth from malnutrition | 22 |
Activities
Physical health: Babies in the Survival program received regular height and weight checks to monitor and track their growth and development. Pediatricians also provided two yearly physical exams including blood tests to check for signs of illness or malnutrition. When needed, children and caregivers were given medicine and supplements such as vitamins or formula. Pregnant moms also received medical care to promote a healthy pregnancy and postpartum period.
Nutrition: Families received monthly food baskets containing a variety of dry food ration items. Caregivers expressed their joy when receiving their baskets as most families in the program struggle to afford groceries. With access to food items like rice, oil, pasta and milk, Survival moms were able to cook nutritious foods for their children. Program staff also taught families the importance of age-appropriate nutrition including breastfeeding and first foods for babies.
Income generation: Caregivers participated in income generation workshops, where they learned hands-on skills as well as basic business skills. During one workshop, Survival moms learned how to make liquid detergents and hand washing soap. Using the skills they learned, families will be able to generate income by selling these products to others in their community.
Group activities: Program staff organized fun group activities and celebrations for Survival families to participate in. Many families appreciated the opportunity to have fun, play games, dance, share poetry and eat meals together. Moms also gathered to celebrate their babies’ birthdays with gifts. Group activities allowed Survival caregivers to build strong relationships with one another and provided opportunities for their children to learn age-appropriate social skills.
Childhood development: Moms learned about early childhood development during group activities and home visits. Staff taught moms how to promote their children’s physical, cognitive, spiritual and emotional development through play, activities and quality time spent together. On program days, children had access to age-appropriate educational toys and books to encourage their curiosity and promote their growth.
Project Stats
This intervention addressed:
Illness: Gastrointestinal Diseases | 1 |
Breastfeeding Moms | 5 |
Malnourished Babies - Severely Underweight | 2 |
Malnourished Babies - Moderately Underweight | 3 |
ReportA message from a pastor
My name is Inelus, pastor of the Église Wesleyenne d’Haïti Smyrne de Cité Chauvel in Capt-Haïtien, Haiti. I would like to thank all our supporters and Compassion International for the Survival program that benefits the parents and children in our community. The benefits of this support and its impact on Haitian society are incalculable.
The sponsorship and support given to children, parents and pregnant women contribute greatly to the realization of our vision. We are preparing a new generation for the recovery of our beloved country Haiti. It’s also worth noting that the child and youth development centre faces major challenges in the community, notably insecurity and inflation. But thanks to your help, we were able to cope by accompanying and supporting our participants who are in difficult situations.
We see God at work here. There are many reasons for this. Health care remains a major burden for Haitian parents. Many Haitian children die for lack of access to health care and many Haitian children have struggled due to lack of access to education.
At our church, around 15 caregivers and their children and 24 children in the early childhood program now have access to health care and education. It is truly God’s work and we are grateful.
Thank you very much for your support in contributing to the development of the parents and children who are part of the program. It’s important to emphasize that the Survival program and child and youth development centre still need your prayers to continue making progress in the area of child development.
We ask for your prayers for profound transformations in the lives of our parents and children, especially on a spiritual level.
ReportA message from those your gift helped
I greet you in the name of Jesus Christ. I ask you to continue to stand firm as we await the return of our Lord Jesus. I hope you and your family are in good health by the grace of God.
I am happy to write to you. My name is Marie-Ange, I’m 30 years old and I live in Cap-Haïtien in the Cité Chauvel area. I live with my husband and our two children, a girl and a boy whom God has given us. My daughter, who is part of the Survival program is named Rode. She is three months old and is in good health thanks to the program’s consultations for children and parents that took place in October.
I’m very happy to be part of the Survival program. I receive a lot of useful training for myself and my baby. If she’s sick, I find the nurse to take care of her for me. If it’s more serious, the nurse sends me to the doctor.
Every month, I receive a dry ration that helps me a lot. My situation has changed a lot and it’s a great relief to be part of this program.
I thank you for choosing to support my child and for helping us live better. May God continue to pour out His rich blessings on you and your family! I will continue to pray for you and your family and I ask you to pray for us too.