EcuadorEcuador

Helping moms & babies at EC0429

Help moms and babies in Otavalo, Ecuador survive – and thrive!

Mom's & BabiesMom's & Babies
Helping moms & babies at EC0429
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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.

Ecuador Stats

Average number of children in household 2
Average age of first-time mothers 12
Births attended by skilled health personnel 97
Stunted growth from malnutrition 18

Activities

Physical health: Babies received medical care at the local health centre and preventive checkups. Their growth was regularly monitored through height and weight measurements. Moms were educated on how to prevent common illnesses and were provided with guidance on proper nutrition for their families. Those who needed it received medicine and follow-up care.

Provisions: Mothers received food kits containing staples such as eggs, rice, sugar, pasta, oil, noodles, cornstarch, salt, oats and sardines. They were also provided with essential hygiene supplies including toilet paper, diapers and wet wipes. Moms and families expressed deep gratitude for the material support made available through the program.

Skills development: Mothers learned skills such as knitting small bus decorations, raising chickens for income and creating puppets for early childhood stimulation. They also took part in activities like embroidery, t-shirt decorations and producing traditional Otavalo-style blouses and woven bags. An entrepreneurship fair highlighted their work, promoting skill development and supporting greater financial independence for their families.

Spiritual development: The program implementer led moms in a Bible study based on Psalms 139:13-14, focusing on loving and compassionate parenting. Participants received a Women’s Bible and explored the importance of studying God’s Word including the topic, “Growing in the Word of God” based on Matthew 15:21. A presentation also highlighted the role of wisdom in the home and raising children with love.

Home visits: Implementers visited moms twice a month in their homes and shared information on early stimulation exercises that moms could practise with their babies. They also encouraged the creation of engaging, supportive home environments and helped arrange spaces in the home for these activities. Program staff regularly prayed with families as part of their visits.

Group activities: Moms met at the centre each month for lessons in caring for their babies, such as learning the stages of a child’s growth and development. Moms also enjoyed sharing a nutritious snack after the meetings. Babies’ first birthdays were celebrated with moms giving thanks to God for their first year of life. The celebration included cake and cookies, and each participant received a gift. Through shared time and children’s play, moms built friendships and a supportive network.

Project Stats

This intervention addressed:

Malnourished Babies - Moderately Underweight 5
Full-term births 1
Low birth weights 1
Breastfeeding Moms 6
Pregnancies 3
Malnourished Babies - Severely Underweight 15
Attended births 1
Physical health: Babies received medical care at the local health centre and preventive checkups. Their growth was regularly monitored through height and weight measurements. Moms were educated on how to prevent common illnesses and were provided with guidance on proper nutrition for their families. Those who needed it received medicine and follow-up care.
Physical health: Babies received medical care at the local health centre and preventive checkups. Their growth was regularly monitored through height and weight measurements. Moms were educated on how to prevent common illnesses and were provided with guidance on proper nutrition for their families. Those who needed it received medicine and follow-up care.
Physical health: Babies received medical care at the local health centre and preventive checkups. Their growth was regularly monitored through height and weight measurements. Moms were educated on how to prevent common illnesses and were provided with guidance on proper nutrition for their families. Those who needed it received medicine and follow-up care.
Physical health: Babies received medical care at the local health centre and preventive checkups. Their growth was regularly monitored through height and weight measurements. Moms were educated on how to prevent common illnesses and were provided with guidance on proper nutrition for their families. Those who needed it received medicine and follow-up care.
Physical health: Babies received medical care at the local health centre and preventive checkups. Their growth was regularly monitored through height and weight measurements. Moms were educated on how to prevent common illnesses and were provided with guidance on proper nutrition for their families. Those who needed it received medicine and follow-up care.
Physical health: Babies received medical care at the local health centre and preventive checkups. Their growth was regularly monitored through height and weight measurements. Moms were educated on how to prevent common illnesses and were provided with guidance on proper nutrition for their families. Those who needed it received medicine and follow-up care.
Provisions: Mothers received food kits containing staples such as eggs, rice, sugar, pasta, oil, noodles, cornstarch, salt, oats and sardines. They were also provided with essential hygiene supplies including toilet paper, diapers and wet wipes. Moms and families expressed deep gratitude for the material support made available through the program.
Provisions: Mothers received food kits containing staples such as eggs, rice, sugar, pasta, oil, noodles, cornstarch, salt, oats and sardines. They were also provided with essential hygiene supplies including toilet paper, diapers and wet wipes. Moms and families expressed deep gratitude for the material support made available through the program.
Provisions: Mothers received food kits containing staples such as eggs, rice, sugar, pasta, oil, noodles, cornstarch, salt, oats and sardines. They were also provided with essential hygiene supplies including toilet paper, diapers and wet wipes. Moms and families expressed deep gratitude for the material support made available through the program.
Provisions: Mothers received food kits containing staples such as eggs, rice, sugar, pasta, oil, noodles, cornstarch, salt, oats and sardines. They were also provided with essential hygiene supplies including toilet paper, diapers and wet wipes. Moms and families expressed deep gratitude for the material support made available through the program.
Provisions: Mothers received food kits containing staples such as eggs, rice, sugar, pasta, oil, noodles, cornstarch, salt, oats and sardines. They were also provided with essential hygiene supplies including toilet paper, diapers and wet wipes. Moms and families expressed deep gratitude for the material support made available through the program.
Provisions: Mothers received food kits containing staples such as eggs, rice, sugar, pasta, oil, noodles, cornstarch, salt, oats and sardines. They were also provided with essential hygiene supplies including toilet paper, diapers and wet wipes. Moms and families expressed deep gratitude for the material support made available through the program.
Skills development: Mothers learned skills such as knitting small bus decorations, raising chickens for income and creating puppets for early childhood stimulation. They also took part in activities like embroidery, t-shirt decorations and producing traditional Otavalo-style blouses and woven bags. An entrepreneurship fair highlighted their work, promoting skill development and supporting greater financial independence for their families.
Skills development: Mothers learned skills such as knitting small bus decorations, raising chickens for income and creating puppets for early childhood stimulation. They also took part in activities like embroidery, t-shirt decorations and producing traditional Otavalo-style blouses and woven bags. An entrepreneurship fair highlighted their work, promoting skill development and supporting greater financial independence for their families.
Skills development: Mothers learned skills such as knitting small bus decorations, raising chickens for income and creating puppets for early childhood stimulation. They also took part in activities like embroidery, t-shirt decorations and producing traditional Otavalo-style blouses and woven bags. An entrepreneurship fair highlighted their work, promoting skill development and supporting greater financial independence for their families.
Skills development: Mothers learned skills such as knitting small bus decorations, raising chickens for income and creating puppets for early childhood stimulation. They also took part in activities like embroidery, t-shirt decorations and producing traditional Otavalo-style blouses and woven bags. An entrepreneurship fair highlighted their work, promoting skill development and supporting greater financial independence for their families.
Skills development: Mothers learned skills such as knitting small bus decorations, raising chickens for income and creating puppets for early childhood stimulation. They also took part in activities like embroidery, t-shirt decorations and producing traditional Otavalo-style blouses and woven bags. An entrepreneurship fair highlighted their work, promoting skill development and supporting greater financial independence for their families.
Skills development: Mothers learned skills such as knitting small bus decorations, raising chickens for income and creating puppets for early childhood stimulation. They also took part in activities like embroidery, t-shirt decorations and producing traditional Otavalo-style blouses and woven bags. An entrepreneurship fair highlighted their work, promoting skill development and supporting greater financial independence for their families.
Skills development: Mothers learned skills such as knitting small bus decorations, raising chickens for income and creating puppets for early childhood stimulation. They also took part in activities like embroidery, t-shirt decorations and producing traditional Otavalo-style blouses and woven bags. An entrepreneurship fair highlighted their work, promoting skill development and supporting greater financial independence for their families.
Skills development: Mothers learned skills such as knitting small bus decorations, raising chickens for income and creating puppets for early childhood stimulation. They also took part in activities like embroidery, t-shirt decorations and producing traditional Otavalo-style blouses and woven bags. An entrepreneurship fair highlighted their work, promoting skill development and supporting greater financial independence for their families.
Skills development: Mothers learned skills such as knitting small bus decorations, raising chickens for income and creating puppets for early childhood stimulation. They also took part in activities like embroidery, t-shirt decorations and producing traditional Otavalo-style blouses and woven bags. An entrepreneurship fair highlighted their work, promoting skill development and supporting greater financial independence for their families.
Skills development: Mothers learned skills such as knitting small bus decorations, raising chickens for income and creating puppets for early childhood stimulation. They also took part in activities like embroidery, t-shirt decorations and producing traditional Otavalo-style blouses and woven bags. An entrepreneurship fair highlighted their work, promoting skill development and supporting greater financial independence for their families.
Spiritual development: The program implementer led moms in a Bible study based on Psalms 139:13-14, focusing on loving and compassionate parenting. Participants received a Women’s Bible and explored the importance of studying God’s Word including the topic, “Growing in the Word of God” based on Matthew 15:21. A presentation also highlighted the role of wisdom in the home and raising children with love.
Spiritual development: The program implementer led moms in a Bible study based on Psalms 139:13-14, focusing on loving and compassionate parenting. Participants received a Women’s Bible and explored the importance of studying God’s Word including the topic, “Growing in the Word of God” based on Matthew 15:21. A presentation also highlighted the role of wisdom in the home and raising children with love.
Spiritual development: The program implementer led moms in a Bible study based on Psalms 139:13-14, focusing on loving and compassionate parenting. Participants received a Women’s Bible and explored the importance of studying God’s Word including the topic, “Growing in the Word of God” based on Matthew 15:21. A presentation also highlighted the role of wisdom in the home and raising children with love.
Spiritual development: The program implementer led moms in a Bible study based on Psalms 139:13-14, focusing on loving and compassionate parenting. Participants received a Women’s Bible and explored the importance of studying God’s Word including the topic, “Growing in the Word of God” based on Matthew 15:21. A presentation also highlighted the role of wisdom in the home and raising children with love.
Home visits: Implementers visited moms twice a month in their homes and shared information on early stimulation exercises that moms could practise with their babies. They also encouraged the creation of engaging, supportive home environments and helped arrange spaces in the home for these activities. Program staff regularly prayed with families as part of their visits.
Home visits: Implementers visited moms twice a month in their homes and shared information on early stimulation exercises that moms could practise with their babies. They also encouraged the creation of engaging, supportive home environments and helped arrange spaces in the home for these activities. Program staff regularly prayed with families as part of their visits.
Group activities: Moms met at the centre each month for lessons in caring for their babies, such as learning the stages of a child’s growth and development. Moms also enjoyed sharing a nutritious snack after the meetings. Babies’ first birthdays were celebrated with moms giving thanks to God for their first year of life. The celebration included cake and cookies, and each participant received a gift. Through shared time and children’s play, moms built friendships and a supportive network.
Group activities: Moms met at the centre each month for lessons in caring for their babies, such as learning the stages of a child’s growth and development. Moms also enjoyed sharing a nutritious snack after the meetings. Babies’ first birthdays were celebrated with moms giving thanks to God for their first year of life. The celebration included cake and cookies, and each participant received a gift. Through shared time and children’s play, moms built friendships and a supportive network.
Group activities: Moms met at the centre each month for lessons in caring for their babies, such as learning the stages of a child’s growth and development. Moms also enjoyed sharing a nutritious snack after the meetings. Babies’ first birthdays were celebrated with moms giving thanks to God for their first year of life. The celebration included cake and cookies, and each participant received a gift. Through shared time and children’s play, moms built friendships and a supportive network.
Group activities: Moms met at the centre each month for lessons in caring for their babies, such as learning the stages of a child’s growth and development. Moms also enjoyed sharing a nutritious snack after the meetings. Babies’ first birthdays were celebrated with moms giving thanks to God for their first year of life. The celebration included cake and cookies, and each participant received a gift. Through shared time and children’s play, moms built friendships and a supportive network.
Group activities: Moms met at the centre each month for lessons in caring for their babies, such as learning the stages of a child’s growth and development. Moms also enjoyed sharing a nutritious snack after the meetings. Babies’ first birthdays were celebrated with moms giving thanks to God for their first year of life. The celebration included cake and cookies, and each participant received a gift. Through shared time and children’s play, moms built friendships and a supportive network.
Group activities: Moms met at the centre each month for lessons in caring for their babies, such as learning the stages of a child’s growth and development. Moms also enjoyed sharing a nutritious snack after the meetings. Babies’ first birthdays were celebrated with moms giving thanks to God for their first year of life. The celebration included cake and cookies, and each participant received a gift. Through shared time and children’s play, moms built friendships and a supportive network.
Group activities: Moms met at the centre each month for lessons in caring for their babies, such as learning the stages of a child’s growth and development. Moms also enjoyed sharing a nutritious snack after the meetings. Babies’ first birthdays were celebrated with moms giving thanks to God for their first year of life. The celebration included cake and cookies, and each participant received a gift. Through shared time and children’s play, moms built friendships and a supportive network.
Group activities: Moms met at the centre each month for lessons in caring for their babies, such as learning the stages of a child’s growth and development. Moms also enjoyed sharing a nutritious snack after the meetings. Babies’ first birthdays were celebrated with moms giving thanks to God for their first year of life. The celebration included cake and cookies, and each participant received a gift. Through shared time and children’s play, moms built friendships and a supportive network.
Pastor José

ReportA message from a pastor

As pastor of the Israel Evangelical Center of the Eugenio Espejo Parish, I extend a warm greeting to you in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I am deeply grateful for the support given to our Survival program. This program began in 2022 with 15 mothers, among whom were mothers of newborns, pregnant women and single mothers belonging to the most vulnerable sectors of our indigenous communities.

Through the Survival program, they have benefited from medical checkups, accompaniment during prenatal and postnatal appointments, weight and height evaluations to monitor the development of babies, talks on nutrition and everything related to supporting the preservation of good health for mothers and babies.

In the spiritual area, we have provided teachings about the Bible, so that mothers know about Jesus and how to care for their children with love according to biblical teachings. We have also made home visits to share the love of Jesus with family members. In the cognitive area, we have taught mothers about childcare, and we have carried out projects encouraging mothers to become entrepreneurs and achieve economic self-sufficiency.

The program has been a blessing during these four years of operation. We are sincerely grateful to God, who, through His mercy and love, has always been with us. We are also grateful to all of you who make it possible for this beautiful program to continue supporting more mothers and babies from the families most in need in our communities.

All the participating mothers are very grateful for the support received from the church through the program. We pray to God that the program may continue for a long time to come, according to God’s will. Blessings from above in the name of our Heavenly Father.

Pastor José
Hilda

ReportA message from those your gift helped

My name is Hilda. I am 35 years old and I am the mother of two children (Ian and Jenifer). I don’t have a stable job, but I learned to sew traditional blouses, which I wear as part of my traditional dress. I sell them and, in this way, I help to support my family.

Throughout my life, I have faced many difficulties. I didn’t know God and felt alone and without support. I heard about a program where other mothers get together and learn about entrepreneurship and share their experiences. I was interested, so I went to church to ask about the program. They were kind and explained it to me in more detail. The next day, sister Delia, who is my current implementer, visited me and encouraged me to participate. She prayed for me and my family. That’s how I joined the Survival program, when I was seven months pregnant with my son, Ian.

During these nine months of my participation in the program, it has been a great blessing in my life. Everyone involved has been very supportive. Every month, I receive two visits from my implementer, who has shared the love of Jesus with me. She has taught me about the great gift of salvation and how to take care of my pregnancy and support my child’s holistic development by raising him with love. She has also taught me how to care for my baby to prevent illness and ensure good health.

Once a month at the church, we have group meetings with the other moms in the group. I really like it because we always learn from the Bible, and our implementer teaches us beautiful praise songs. What I like most is listening and learning about our experiences with our babies. We also have activities such as baby birthday celebrations and entrepreneurial ventures. Our implementer gave us baby chicks, and we raised them to sell at animal fairs, which is a very common economic activity in the community. I have also learned to hand embroider traditional indigenous blouses, which are very expensive on the market. Thanks to the materials I received from the church through the Survival program, I have been able to sew blouses for myself and my daughter and even some to sell. We also learned to weave hammocks, which are used as decorations on buses and are very traditional in the area where I live.

My baby is now 7 months old. He is a very cheerful child and is growing up happy. The experience of being in the program has been a great blessing in my life. I am sincerely grateful for the food and health kits, Christmas presents, Mother’s Day gifts and medical checkups that I have received through the Survival program. I am especially grateful for all the teachings about God’s love and advice that allow me to raise my son with love and dignity. Now I feel loved by a God who has always been with me at all times. I feel supported by many people who care about my well-being and my family. I currently attend church and would like to continue learning more about God.

I sincerely thank all of you for giving me and the other mothers in the program your support to make all this possible. Thank you for allowing me to know Jesus and for supporting me with everything I have received in the church. Thank you for your prayers. May God bless you always.

With love,

Hilda
José

ReportA message from a partnership facilitator

A warm greeting to you in the name of Jesus Christ. My name is José. I am the facilitator of centre EC0429 at the Israel Evangelical Center, which is located in the community of Espejo, Otavalo canton, Imbabura province. The community has businesses such as shops, a market and fast-food restaurants. It is very close to the Panamericana Norte Highway and in front of San Pablo Lake. Many people work in agriculture, and others have businesses in the centre of the Otavalo canton (Plaza de Ponchos).

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your investment in the mothers and children of the Espejo area. Your donation has been God’s answer to the church’s cry to care for this vulnerable group. The mothers are located in areas surrounding the church.

When we began the program, it was very meaningful to meet with the church leadership and offer prayers of gratitude to God. We recognize His sovereignty, but we also take responsibility for the proper administration of these funds.

We continue to pray for the mothers in the Espejo sector. Our implementer, Delia, is very happy to visit and minister to each mother in their homes. Together with the church, and especially with the program director, Luzmila, we have made a great commitment to evangelizing them. Currently we have five mothers who have already approached the church and are now participating in Sunday services.

We encourage you to pray for the mothers, their children and the church during this challenging time. God’s blessings to you and your family.

Warm regards and our gratitude to you,

José