Raising Hope!
Building The RCH* Safe Motherhood-Child Program
*RCH = Reproductive and Child Health
EXPANDING HOPE! 2023-24 Goal: coming soon
Amount Raised: to come. Asante sana! Thank you!
The Incredible Birth Of Two Life-Giving Community Services During COVID – Healthcare and Water!
On December 2, 2021, Elisi walked through the doors of the Dashir-Kikwe Outpatient Clinic. The new clinic had just opened that morning, exactly nine months after construction began, and Elisi was the very first patient. Elisi did not have the means to travel or pay for the services offered in other communities. She arrived somewhat hesitant to the new clinic, but soon discovered the great gift that lay within – friendly, professional staff who cared for her effectively.
Read the incredible story ... with videos
In the days and weeks that followed, news of the clinic’s opening spread throughout the community. Each day brought new patients to the clinic, each with their unique needs and ailments, each overflowing with gratitude at the opportunity to receive excellent and affordable care in the heart of their community for the very first time. These sentiments were certainly echoed by Witness, who came to the clinic after six months of suffering with a painful and infected thorn that was deeply embedded in her foot. What a relief for Witness to have the thorn removed and the infected area properly treated and cared for.
The building of the outpatient clinic was the first of two extraordinary health initiatives during COVID for the Dashir Community of Kikwe. The second project, which began just as the clinic opened, was a monumental 5 km water project to provide residents with access to clean water. Seven months later, (June 2022) women throughout the village were able to fill their water containers with clean water from 30 public taps installed throughout their community. The days of multi kilometre walks under the hot African sun to fetch water that was often contaminated were over! And the access to water opened other possibilities that would dramatically improve day-to-day experiences. For Miriam, it meant that seeds could be sown and watered to grow fresh vegetables for her family and extra to sell for an income!
While health clinics and water taps are commodities that many of us benefit from every day, they truly are life-changing realities for the people of Kikwe. These transformative projects were made possible through the compassion, generosity, and commitment of donors like YOU – donors like YOU who reached out across the globe in health and hope, donors like YOU who empowered local Tanzanians, like Elisante and his young crew, in their tenacity and faithfulness to bring these projects to fruition.
While there is much to celebrate, there is also still much to be done. Will YOU join other donors in the continued journey of health and hope?
Moving Forward: Changing The Lives Of Mothers And Their Babies
Precious’ Journey
For young Precious (not her real name), becoming pregnant at 16 years of age was a big surprise. She quit school and stayed hidden at home during her pregnancy, with her single mom. Without money for transportation or medical attention, Precious was unable to access prenatal care during her pregnancy. She had no choice but to wait, frightened, during the long months leading up to her baby’s birth.
Unfortunately, many women in Kikwe and nearby areas are all too familiar with Precious’ experience. The lack of access to maternal services has many emotional implications for these women, and places Tanzania near the top of the world list for maternal-infant mortality rates.
It doesn’t have to be this way …
Imagine girls having access to counseling and reproductive health information in their community.
Imagine women walking to their local clinic for prenatal appointments and consultations with trained medical staff throughout their pregnancies.
Imagine healthy babies being delivered in a well equipped clinic.
Imagine babies and children receiving their full childhood immunizations.
YOU can help make this a reality for the community of Kikwe.
The Goal: Increase the survival and health of Kikwe mothers and their infants through the establishment of the RCH Safe Motherhood-Child Program at Dashir-Kikwe Health Centre.
RCH – Reproductive and Child Health Services
- Pre and Post Natal Visits
- Child Immunizations
- Family Planning
Will YOU help build a safe and healthy future for Kikwe mothers like Precious and their children?
Raising Hope! Campaign: RCH Services and Clinic Support
Set up the RCH Safe Motherhood-Child Program and begin services using two rooms in the outpatient building. Add key upgrades to support the RCH and Outpatient services.
RCH Equipment
Doppler Fetoscope, Weigh Scales, Vaccine Equipment, Emergency Kits, etc.
Lab Equipment
Full Blood Picture, Biochemistry, and other smaller devices for testing typhoid, etc.
Vehicle-Ambulance
Emergencies and general use such as Community Outreach – mobile clinics.
Ongoing Patient Support
Jan-Jun 2023 subsidy to maintain affordable patient fees. (Monthly donors welcome! Click)
Water Security
Replace the old, leaking 2.5 km pipeline from the spring above our new 5 km pipeline.
Grid Electricity Hook-up
Poles, a voltage regulator, and wiring. Add to our solar panels to make a robust system.
EXPANDING HOPE! 2023-24 Goal: coming soon
Amount Raised: to come. Asante sana! Thank you!
We have Charity Status in Canada.