I saw it with my own eyes...

Children's lives being saved - literally. I visited the "Save a Life" Center" this month in Mongu, and was deeply touched by what I saw.

Mothers came with their malnourished infants and children for the weekly program. They received training on how to properly feed and care for their child. The children were monitored for progress on their weight gain and health. They got nutritional food to take home for the upcoming week, and were encouraged through devotions and support from one another. They receive skills training so they can develop small businesses to help provide for their children. The staff also do weekly home visits to check in on the mom and child in their own environment.

It's working. There was a hallway with "Lives Saved" posted simply on the top. We all love "Before and After" stories. I counted 84 before and after pictures and stories of children who had been through the program, showing their weight and condition when they first arrived and the huge improvement when they had finished. For many, the program literally saved their lives.

Many of us know the importance of a child reaching their 5th birthday. It's those first years that are so critical. We have made remarkable progress in child survival in the past few decades, thanks to on the ground programs like the Save a Life Center and the efforts of many other great NGOs, governments etc. Yet, despite the global progress in reducing child mortality, an estimated 5.3 million children under age five died still last year –and roughly half of those deaths occurred in sub-Saharan Africa. (where VOHA works).

Imagine what it felt like when Charity, a house mom at VOH, told me that 6 of her 8 children died before they turned 5. I just can't imagine. She calmly explained, some died when they were infants, or when starting to crawl, and others when they were a bit older. But only 2 reached their 5th birthday.

Soon after Charity became a house mom, a social worker brought 9 month old Nakwambwa to her care. He was severely malnourished. She took him to the Save a Life Center, where he was admitted for 2 weeks, and she stayed by his bedside. Once discharged, she continued attending the feeding program with him for the next 6 months.

Slowly, but surely, he gained weight and got stronger. With a smile on her face she reports, “From that time, until now, he’s well. He is healthy, happy and full of energy. He’s even a bit mischievous at times!” Nakwambwa still lives with her and has started Preschool at the VOH school and ....

He's reaching his 5th birthday on January 3rd!

That's what this is all about.

We can develop programs and design strategies, but at the end of the day it's about impacting the lives of some of the most vulnerable children in this world.

I'm thankful to be part of it. And thankful, too, that you part of this journey with me.

The Save a Life Center and mission.
Mothers (and a dad) feeding their children before the class begins.
Going home with supplies in tow!



"Lives Saved" Hall of Before/After Pictures & Stories
Zoom in below to read just 2 examples .. well 3!





Weekly Monitoring, Checkups & Taking pictures of each child



Charity & Nakwambwa today!

What are you thinking? How do you feel? Sad? Hopeful? Inspired? Post a comment and let me know.