For babies born into poverty, the first 1,000 days of life are critical to survival. Our Child Survival interventions keep mums safe during their pregnancy by providing pre-natal and post-natal care, including check-ups, vaccinations and the presence of a medical professional during childbirth.
What’s more, they help babies reach their first birthday by ensuring precious children receive vaccinations, vitamins, nutritional supplements and growth checks.
Cecilia was just a teenager when her mum unexpectedly threw her and her two baby sons out on the street.
Life on the streets not only meant fending for herself and her children, but also living with a disease she didn’t understand. Cecilia was born with a fungal infection on her neck, which worsened because of the lack of hygiene on the streets.
Cecilia’s life changed when she was introduced to the Child Survival intervention at her local Compassion-supported centre.
“Now I feel I’m able to do things, because God gives me strength,” she says. Her sons, Jendry and Kelvin, are now safe and healthy and Cecilia herself is receiving medical treatment and has learnt to sew. With the cushions and hairbands she makes, she can earn an income for her family.
“The [church] family is like the mother and sister that I don’t have. When I am there, I feel like I am with family, and that’s what I enjoy the most.”
Cecilia [23], Dominican Republic
From a mother’s pregnancy through a baby’s first year of life, with your help we can provide babies with essential care to survive and thrive. These are the testimonials of just some of the mums who’ve been helped:
I’m a mum in the Philippines and I don’t think my baby would have survived without Compassion’s Child Survival project. I can’t those who donate enough…my family has been given hope.
I am extremely happy to have been a part of this intervention because I am gaining enduring knowledge, as well as the support I have received. I have learnt how I should properly prepare food and feed my child, that I should get him vaccinations on time and how I should grow my spiritual life when I meet other mothers. The money-saving and other health training that is provided has benefitted me and my family as well.
I have always desired to learn a skill but I couldn’t pay the fees. The intervention is teaching skills in bead making and am learning how to use beads to make necklaces, earrings and slippers. I have got myself an income-generating skill. I am no longer idle and I am very thankful to you.
Compassion has been a trusted charity since 1952. Over the last five years, donations to Child Survival Interventions have enabled us to give 3,500 babies a better start in life. Help us support the next vulnerable baby by donating today. All our Child Survival Interventions are run in partnership with our church partners who know the needs of their communities inside out and are there to provide long-term support.
I really like the intervention because it is really helpful in the child’s development, the way I have learnt to feed him and to never miss vaccination appointments. I receive two home visits from my child development worker every month. The lessons are very important to me.
Total: £10
A minimum of 80 percent of donations to Compassion UK is used to directly support the development and delivery of interventions. The remaining 20 percent is used to inform and update donors and facilitate support for their chosen intervention or fund Compassion UK activities to support more interventions and children.
A minimum of 80 percent of donations to Compassion UK is used to directly support the development and delivery of interventions.
The remaining 20 percent is used to inform and update donors and facilitate support for their chosen intervention or fund Compassion UK activities to support more interventions and children.
