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
Total: £10
At Compassion, your donation is used wisely to the greatest benefit to children in poverty.
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.