Survive and Thrive
This program educates families about the vital role early childhood development and nutrition play in children’s mental and physical growth.
The Problem
Guatemala is known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and historic sites, but behind this beauty lies a harsh reality of deep poverty and inequality, especially among Indigenous Mayans who make up over half the population.
These challenges contribute to serious gaps in maternal and child health, including high rates of maternal and infant deaths, malnutrition in pregnant and nursing mothers, chronic child malnutrition and stunting, and poor early childhood development. Together, these issues make it difficult for children to grow and thrive during their most important early years.
The Program
To address these issues, our partners have launched a program focused on early childhood development and nutrition in Paley, a rural community lacking educational resources for children before primary school.
Facilitators conduct weekly sessions for a group of 40 children aged 0-6 years old that include exercises, games, and activities designed to foster development. Simultaneously, mothers participate in monthly nutrition workshops, featuring hands-on cooking classes using locally available ingredients. During these sessions, facilitators explain how each ingredient contributes to healthy development.
How Your Gift Helps!
Your support enables program leaders to teach residents of Paley about the importance of early childhood development and nutrition in the mental and physical development of children. These areas are key for them to succeed at school and in work and have access to better opportunities in life.
100% Of Your Donation
will be used to improve the lives of children and their families in Guatemala, thanks to some generous donors who pay all our overhead.
Thank You!
Throughout the years, your support in Guatemala has been remarkable. Thanks to your generosity, 84 traditional birth attendants (TBAs) received training that equipped them with the skills to identify risks during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. On average, each TBA provides care for around 8 women per month, meaning thousands of pregnant women are receiving improved care annually, effectively reducing maternal and infant mortality rates in rural areas of Guatemala.
Today, the Survive and Thrive program builds upon those efforts, ensuring mothers and babies not only survive childbirth but go on to thrive in life. Thank you for your support in bringing this program to where it is today.
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About Us
International Needs Canada is a charitable organization with a global network of 34 partner countries. Our approach to development relies on the empowerment of indigenous leaders to bring about change in their local communities. We focus primarily on the empowerment of vulnerable children through education, health and wellness, character development, and skills training.
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Contact Us
International Needs Canada
Toll-free: 1-888-702-9805
Office: 1-905-389-1118
Email: info@internationalneeds.ca
Address: 230-1119 Fennell Ave E.,
Hamilton, ON, Canada, L8T 1S2
Charity Number: #12994 3072 RR0001