Mother Mentor for Child Development
Young children thrive when they have stimulation, good nutrition, and protection from infection. But in Humjibre, challenges like malnutrition, malaria, and financial strain too often put mothers and children at risk. Pregnant women may lack essential nutrients such as iron and iodine or face recurring infections from poor water quality—barriers that make a healthy pregnancy difficult.
Our MMCD program pairs first-time pregnant women with experienced “Mother Mentors”—trusted mothers from the community. From pregnancy through a child’s first two years, mentors provide guidance, support, and resources to help families overcome challenges and give their children the best start in life. With this individualized support, mothers and families gain the knowledge and tools they need to nurture healthy, thriving children.
About the Program
MMCD is divided into three distinct phases. Throughout these phases, regular guidance and counseling are delivered, a supply of essential nutritional supplements is provided to the mother and her child, sanitation and hygiene facilities are built in the household and early childhood cognitive development is promoted by creating a stimulating home environment for the child.
Phase 1
This phase focuses on supporting the mother through the period of pregnancy and lasts until the child is born.
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Phase 2
This phase begins with the birth of the child. Apart from ensuring the mother’s well-being, the focus now also includes the health and development of the infant.
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Phase 3
When the child is six months old, our focus widens to promote early childhood cognitive stimulation in addition to the ongoing health component.
Program Outcomes
30
Participants Enrolled Now
49
Healthy Mothers and Babies Successfully Graduated
Malaria Prevention
52% to 9%
Children with fever in last 2 weeks (proxy for malaria)
46% to 99%
Families use mosquito nets at night
Diarrhea Prevention
40% to 6%
Young children who had diarrhea in the past two weeks
63% to 99%
Households who have their own latrine
Diarrhea Prevention
66% to 99%
Families use clean drinking water
76% to 94%
Mothers disposed of infant stools properly
Nutrition
61% to 86%
Mothers who exclusively breastfeed until 6 months
46% to 99%
70% to 95% giving their two year olds at least 3 meals each day
Development
4% to 100%
Households with one year old children have at least 3 children’s books
31% to 100%
Children who were read to in the past 3 days
78% to 100%
2 year old children who meet the expressive language developmental milestone
Sparking a Child’s Imagination
“During the day, I make sure I take out time to read to Hilda. She loves listening to stories and I encourage her to ask questions. I also read aloud together with her. I am trying to make reading a regular part of her life. She likes to guide my hand towards pictures and saying names aloud. I am happy that she is learning and improving.
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Two years ago, when I got pregnant with Hilda, I did not know the importance of reading to my child. I am extremely glad, and I feel lucky to have participated in the program. Mother mentors regularly visited my house and we spent time with Hilda together.
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I saw how happy and excited she would be when we are singing or reading. The interaction with mother mentors was extremely useful and it informed me about new ways I can engage with my daughter and keep her happy.
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Today, I am confident and positive about Hilda’s future. She is a bright girl and I know that she will achieve whatever she wants and become successful in life. Thank you for everything!”
~ Betty (Participant in the MMCD Program)
We believe that every child deserves a healthy start in life and every mother should have access to quality healthcare. Their health and well-being have a far-reaching impact on families and communities.
Consider assisting families like Betty and Hilda by becoming a supporter of the program. Your donation will help us expand our reach by including more mother-baby pairs!