Moms and Babies are Thriving in Kenya

Your gift is helping mothers and babies thrive through the Survival program, based at KAG Githunguchu Church in Limuru, Kenya. Your support is providing proper nutrition, access to medical care and a broad range of life-saving support for 15 infant-caregiver pairs. Your gift ensures babies born into extreme poverty have the opportunity to thrive, setting them on the path to a healthy, hope-filled childhood.

This report includes recent statistics, photos of Survival program activities and additional highlights. We hope you feel blessed to read this report, as you are such a blessing to mothers and babies living in difficult circumstances.

Derek  Mccoy

Ministry Progress at KAG Githunguchu Church

April – June 2024

Hope for Sharon, a Survival Caregiver

Dear Friends,

Greetings! I am 22 years old and a mother to two boys, Bramwel and John, and John is a participant in the Survival program. When I was seven months pregnant with my second child, there was a vacancy in the program, and I was offered the opportunity to join.

When the program staff welcomed me in, it filled me with joy and gratitude to God for answering my prayers. I began attending monthly meetings where the staff provided guidance on growth monitoring, breastfeeding, oral rehydration, female literacy, family planning, food security, and spiritual nourishment. Additionally, we received nutritious cereals and porridge flour to take home. The staff, alongside a community health worker, also made home visits and taught us about maintaining a healthy home environment.

Last month, as the time for me to give birth to my son John approached, the center staff proved to be exceptionally supportive. They remained by my side throughout my hospital admission until I gave birth. Initially, my husband and I were very stressed, especially considering there was a doctors’ strike at that time. The Survival staff came to our rescue by assisting with the crucial step of paying for my hospital bill. That was the most touching incident in my life. Following my discharge, the program staff ensured that my baby received immunizations, was well fed and warmly dressed.

May God bless Compassion International and each one of you for your generosity.

Yours faithfully,
Sharon

Letter edited for clarity.

Survival to Sponsorship Transition

It’s time for celebration in the Survival program! Seven healthy babies have passed an important milestone: turning 1 year old. These children will now transition into Compassion’s home-based Sponsorship Program. They and their mothers will continue to receive caring support from the church and program staff, as well as sponsors who will support them as they grow physically, cognitively, emotionally and spiritually.

Parents, especially mothers, are critical to effective intervention on behalf of vulnerable babies and young children. Educating primary caregivers sets those little ones on a path toward healthy development — which is why the Survival program incorporates a holistic, long-term strategy into its approach. That strategy is designed to equip mothers to care for their families and themselves, and engage their community, with a healthy, biblical perspective.

The program helps these women develop their minds through literacy lessons. It teaches them critical parenting and child development skills, as well as how to implement them when children are most vulnerable to disease and malnutrition. Mothers are also equipped to provide for their families through contextually relevant occupational training that enables them to generate income. The discovery of newfound talents and capabilities builds their self-esteem, helping them grow into confident women who now have the knowledge and capacity to move forward in life. Education paves the way for them to become the people God intended them to be.