We’re pleased to announce International Needs Canada is one of 15 Canadian charities chosen by the Gay Lea Foundation to be a recipient of their spring funding grants. The award provides $15,000 to the Real Hope Youth Community Organization (RHYCO) safe house in the Kawangware slum in Nairobi, Kenya.

The safe house became a priority during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when it became clear to RHYCO that some children were being badly abused at home and needed more support than the existing drop-in centre could provide. When fully operational, the safe house will provide shelter to extremely at-risk children between the ages of 6 and 14.

We’re very thankful for the Gay Lea Foundation’s support and for their commitment to humanitarian and community development projects around the world.

LINK IN BIO

#GayLeaFoundation #thankful #safehouse #vulnerable #children #projects #transformedlives #changedcommunities #pandemic …

Thanks to your support in 2020, Zambia has been supporting vulnerable children and families through COVID:

ZACTS and Emele Schools

– Distributed food baskets to almost 200 sponsored children and their families
– Purchased and installed 10 computers
– Began construction on a new classroom to handle the rapidly expanding student population
– Scored 100% pass rate at grade 7 level

ZACTS Farm Project

– Grew and harvested 100s of bags of green and white maize to help the school reduce feeding program costs.
– Poultry and rabbit programs continued, with a goal of generating income.
– Funds have been raised to purchase a new tractor and a new truck for �the farm. This equipment will allow the farm to be more efficient and scale �up production. …

Thanks to your support in 2020, International Needs Uganda has been supporting vulnerable children and families through COVID:

– Utilized technology as much as possible to visit sponsored children and monitor their well-being.

– Distributed food packages to needy families and employees.

– Provided nutritional and psychosocial support to children infected or affected by HIV/AIDS.

– Helped 203 sponsored children and 1 parent who was HIV positive access medical services at our partner health facilities.

– Provided online counselling services for bereaved children and families who were struggling with the loss of loved ones.

– Supported 17 churches to reopen with personal protective supplies, such as hand washing stations, thermometer guns, and sanitizers.

– Distributed educational materials from the government to allow 2000 children to learn at home.

#support #thankful #grateful #Uganda #children #vulnerable #families #food #provision #churches #education #COVID #transformedlives #changedcommunities …

During the pandemic, sponsored children in Nepal were “scattered throughout the country from east to west.” International Needs Nepal contacted the children and families frequently to motivate them to study, and annual exam failures decreased to nearly zero!

– Many food baskets, relief supplies, and financial support were sent to the sponsored children and their families.

– The Lydia Vocational Centre was closed much of the year, but the team provided remote support for their students.

– They also helped some of their graduates (many of whom are now entrepreneurs) in their new business ventures.

#nepal #children #families #business #lydia #study #COVID #pandemic #transformedlives #changedcommunities …

Kenya experienced a sharp increase in sexual abuse, teenage pregnancies, alcoholism, drug abuse, and crime during the pandemic. To support the children through the pandemic, International Needs Kenya provided proactive nutritional, educational, moral, medical, and psychosocial support.

– They launched a Virtual Learning Program (VLP), Mental Health Program, and Teen Sessions.

– They hosted a meeting to encourage parents and caregivers to stay vigilant and provide moral support to their children.

– In Kibera slum, the Youth Entrepreneurship Mentorship Project continued, along with Bible Clubs for younger children and the Vertical Gardening initiative to enhance food security.

– The Home Visit Program resumed with strict observance of health protocols. It became apparent that many first-born children are playing the role of parent, despite their tender ages.

– In Kawangware slum, The Real Hope Youth Community Organization was busy with food distribution, water supply, and reaching out to the elderly.

– RHYCO also relocated their drop-in centre and opened a safe house to rescue children who had been abused, often by relatives and people close to them.

#kenya #parents #caregivers #children #youth #health #water #safehouse #rescue #covid #pandemic #makeadifference #transformedlives #changedcommunities …

Our partner in Guatemala worked hard in 2020, determined to carry on through the pandemic.

After making some safety modifications for COVID, the team launched their midwife training program in the Paquip region. Rather than hosting a full class of 40, the facilitators delivered the program in multiple locations, with just 5-6 midwives per class.

International Needs Canada visited Guatemala in January 2020, shortly before the pandemic struck, so it’s very encouraging that the launch went ahead as planned. The program is a collaborative effort between Rotary Canada, Rotary Guatemala, UNAPER (a group of neonatal physicians in Guatemala), and International Needs Canada.

#pandemic #class #midwife #program #training #Guatemala #physicians #thankful …

COVID Outbreak at Lydia Vocational Training Centre in Nepal

In the middle of April, 12 of the 20 women staying at Lydia fell ill with COVID-19. They isolated on site and did their best to care for one another. We’re pleased to report that everyone has recovered, and things are getting back to normal. Kalpana, the Program Director tells us that …

“the centre is running smoothly, and the ladies are attending both physical and virtual classes so they can continue their learning and enjoying the difficult times. We are so very grateful for your love and support in every situation.” …

Despite the pandemic, International Needs Ghana was able to reach more than 60,000 people through education, child rights, gender and empowerment, health, and Christian witness programs.

– 5000 children had access to education, school feeding, WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene), and evangelism / discipleship support.

– 15 Community Child Protection Committees (CCPCs) were established and operated through COVID.

– The community of Nanankor came together with Women Making a Difference to finish the first phase of the Safe Water project, and begin plans for Phase 2. Men and women from the community were involved in the decision-making process.

– The team launched community-based reading clinics for children, distributed COVID relief to impoverished communities, and gave out Dignity Kits (three months’ supply of sanitary pads and soap) to 6,700 adolescent girls.

“Growing up all I wanted was to become a nurse. I love the dedication and care attached to the work. I know one day I will become a great nurse.” • Hannah – confident participant

#ghana #pandemic #COVID #transformedlives #changedcommunities #children #education #cleanwater …

Thanks to your support in 2020, the DR Congo has been supporting pregnant women, children, babies and seniors through COVID:

– Despite immense financial pressures and soaring prices, the clinic served 600 patients a month, and delivered 75-80 babies each month.

– The clinic received six young girls who became pregnant because there was no school, including one who had been raped.

– A new ambulance was put into service and quickly resulted in many saved lives.

– In addition to antiretroviral medicines, the clinic provided moral, psychological, and sometimes financial support to mothers with HIV AIDS.

– Clinique Papillon was chosen by the government as the official centre in Lu-bumbashi for vaccinations and HIV care because of their highly qualified staff, abundance of water, mosquito nets, and excellent patient care.

– Ephphata School For the Deaf – The solar panels at the school are working very well, and fundraising for the third phase of panels is underway. The carpentry program is progressing well. Funds were sent for tools and machinery at the end of the year. …

Since the early 1900’s, Mother’s Day has been observed on the second Sunday in May to honour the many sacrifices mothers make for their children.

Pray that mothers may have the faith and strength to overcome the world’s many obstacles and be shining lights in their families and communities.

“Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” • Proverbs 31:31

#HappyMothersDay #prayformothers #praiseformothers #thankful #mother #mothers #honour #sacrifice #faith #strength #shinginglights …

Thanks to your support in 2020, International Needs Bangladesh has been supporting vulnerable children and families through COVID:

– Naogoan Free School opened their new building in November and launched a new group program.

– Bethany Children’s Village completed building repairs after damage from Cyclone Ampham.

– Savar Children’s Village provided humanitarian services to students and their families.

– Dhaka Drop – In Centre distributed food to child labourers who lost their jobs and income.

– Jessore Slum School distributed food and made home visits to the children and their families.

#thankyou #thankful #support #bangladesh #vulnerable #children #COVID …

Welcome to Gratitude Month. Follow us as we share how your support in 2020 has served the vulnerable through COVID.

Here are just a few ways your gifts were used to serve the vulnerable in 2020.

#serving #gratitude #vulnerable #children #gifts #thankful #support …

Dear Friends,

THANK YOU!
As I reflect on a year that was unlike any other in modern history, I stand in awe of the many ways God revealed his love through you and our partners around the world.

When the pandemic first hit, we knew the situation was going to be serious, and sure enough, the tragic stories poured in – children being abused, young girls being sold into child marriage, widespread food shortages, medical crises, and more. Poverty took a big hit, with decades of progress wiped out in just a few months.

We were encouraged to see our country partners jump into action, doing whatever they could to reduce the impact on children and families who were already extremely vulnerable. They found creative and innovative solutions to help the children and families deal with the economic and social fallout of the lockdowns.

We know that you were also affected by the pandemic, yet you stayed with us. Every time our partners asked for help you gave generously, and they’re so grateful for your support.

In the following posts throughout May, you’ll be able to read some highlights of the transformational (and lifesaving!) work that took place in 2020, thanks to your partnership and the grace of our loving father in heaven.

David Marshall

#thankyou #pandemic #Godsprovidence #transformational #lifesaving #partnership #makingadifference …

…

Thank you for your past support of maternal & child health in the DR Congo.

Clinique Papillon is a special maternity hospital located in the heart of Lubumbashi, DR Congo, a city that struggles with crushing poverty and brutal violence against women.

Some of the situations they face are hard for us to grasp in Canada; Gilson, the clinic administrator, has told stories of husbands abandoning their pregnant wives after hearing the cost of a medical procedure.

This Easter, as you contemplate the hope that has been given to us through the resurrection of Christ, will you make a gift to the clinic’s Emergency Medical Fund and share that same hope with the mothers and babies in Lubumbashi? (Link in our bio)

Thank you!

#medical #clinic #mothers #babies #makingadifference …

A few global statistics for this World Water Day:

• 2.2 billion people don't have access to safe drinking water, and 4.2 billion don't have a safe place to use the toilet (UN Water)

• 50% of child malnutrition is linked to unsafe water and poor sanitation / hygiene. (UN Water)

• Women and children around the world spend 200,000,000 hours every day collecting water (UNICEF)

• Contaminated drinking water is estimated to cause 485 000 diarrhoeal deaths each year. (WHO)

And some good news about the value of water:

• Every $1 invested in water and sanitation services generates up to $7.00 in saved medical costs and increased productivity. (UN Water)

#worldwaterday #worldwaterday2021 #water #essential #safedrinkingwater #women #children …

While the world celebrated International Women’s Day yesterday, this sobering BBC article (LINK IN BIO) digs into child marriage, one of the factors that prevents women from reaching their full potential in life. The article examines a UNICEF report that projects 100 million child brides worldwide by 2030, with 10 million linked to the economic fallout of COVID.

Thank you to everyone who supports International Needs schools around the world, where together we empower young people and their families to make better choices than early marriage.

#childmarriage #thankyou #education #empower #families #transformedlives #changedcommunities …

Empowering oppressed women in Nepal

Lydia Vocational Training Centre transforms underprivileged women into confident entrepreneurs. One graduate from the 2012 class, Sara Kumal, used her education and a small business loan to start a cosmetic and tailoring shop that provides enough income to support her family and her parents!

When the pandemic hit, she had generated enough savings to keep the shop running until her district was locked down, at which point her business instinct led her to move her supplies to her sister’s shop, in a region that was not restricted. She then wisely invested her savings and launched a small goat farm. Her goal is to keep generating income from the goats, and then to reopen her dream shop when the pandemic is over.

Sara also now serves as a leader in her local community, teaching small school children every Saturday and helping the local church pastor in leading house fellowships. Sara’s story is a beautiful example of empowerment and hope in a culture where women face significant discrimination and child marriage.

If you’re looking for a way to support women this International Women’s Day, please consider the Lydia Vocational Training Centre, which equips women with spiritual knowledge, health education, vocational training, plus awareness training in domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, and drug addiction. (link in bio)

#WomensDay #nepal #empoweringwomen #empower #women #skills #training #success #business #transforminglives #changingcommunities #makeadifference …

Creative Ways to Give in 2021 – Without writing a cheque!

If God has entrusted you with financial resources, we encourage you to consider two ways you can support International Needs generously and joyfully, while minimizing the impact on your bank account and your tax bill.

Find out more in the link in our bio.

#giving #makingadifference #resources #creativegiving #generosity #joyfull #cheerfulgiving …