Thank you, Menlo Church! Your support is helping mothers and their babies survive and thrive in Peru. Currently, at Semillitas del Reino Child Development Center, based at Iglesia Casa de Oración La Unidad, 10 mothers and their babies are receiving Survival support. In the photo above, a pregnant mother named Marcella poses for a photo after writing a letter of gratitude to you.
This report includes Marcella’s letter of gratitude, photos of recent Survival program activities and information on Compassion’s commitment to monthly home visits with caregivers in the program.
Survival Statistics at Semillitas del Reino Child Development Center
(January–June 2021)
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- 15 mothers and their babies received Survival support
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- 6 Compassion-assisted births
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- Over 80% of babies born at a healthy birth weight
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- 2 babies, on average per month, treated for malnutrition
A Letter From a Caregiver at Semillitas del Reino Child Development Center
Dear Friends,
In these times of physical, financial and political crisis, being blessed by a program that provides a basket of groceries each month has been very comforting. My family and I have suffered a lot during the pandemic, because my husband, who worked as a driver, had no passengers during the lockdown. I worked in a beauty salon owned by my brother, but after a few months, the business closed because we had no clients. We thank God the Survival program exists. I will never tire of sharing how this program has been a blessing in my life.
I am now seven months pregnant and excited to meet my third child. I love the baking workshops that Sister Marleny leads. She taught me how to prepare pancakes that are very rich. I also like the classes she teaches on prenatal care. A few days ago, she showed me a video of a nutritionist explaining which foods are best to eat to prevent anemia and to ensure my baby is born healthy.
I pray that many more people learn about this wonderful program and will be blessed by it as I have been!
With love,
Marcella
Recent Survival Activities at Semillitas del Reino Child Development Center
Survival staff ensure all mothers and babies have ready access to medical care. A nurse named Melissa regularly checks in with caregivers over the phone to monitor their health, and caregivers also have access to in-person medical consultations.
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- Elki talks about her health with a nurse.
In order to maintain regular contact with caregivers during the pandemic, Survival staff compiled a book of resources for caregivers to help them learn about caring for their babies. These resources were especially helpful when they were unable to meet in person.
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- Diana reviews a book of helpful resources.
During the pandemic, many families suffered extended periods of unemployment, leading to food insecurity. The Survival program helps families by providing nutritious food each month.
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- A pregnant mother named Meritza receives groceries at her home.
To combat domestic violence, women in the Survival program learn about resources available to them. They created cards with the contact information of Survival staff who can help them in cases of abuse.
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- Mothers create a list of people they can contact should they ever experience abuse.
Survival Program Spotlight: Home Visits
Compassion Survival Specialists play a vital role in reinforcing program content so participants can begin integrating their new skills and learnings into their daily lives. Through monthly visits, Survival Specialists offer emotional and social support for both the mother and the child. The one-on-one time allows for more individualized attention and provides an extra measure of personal connection and accountability. During these visits, the specialists check the home environment for any risks or dangers. They offer additional training in any areas the mothers may need, from breastfeeding best practices to parenting. They also lead the mothers through Bible studies, encouraging church attendance and involvement. They end their time by praying with and for these moms, always inviting the Lord into this time, and always pointing them toward a deeper relationship with him.
Thank You for Your Support
Because of your support, God’s love in action is being made known to mothers and their babies in Peru. Thank you for choosing to partner with Compassion International!