KareKits
Donation protected
Maternal and child health outcomes in Guatemala are among the worst in the region. Furthermore, health risks are even higher in rural and indigenous areas. In fact, for every Guatemalan woman that dies, three indigenous women die from the same causes.
Our goal is to reduce the number of preventable maternal and child deaths in Guatemala by helping to prepare and sustain local midwives in their communities. Given the 5000 year history of midwifery in Guatemala, it should come as no surprise that midwives have the greatest influence on health-related decisions, and are present for 80% of births. With Guatemala currently lacking the hospital capacity to accommodate more than 20% of the country’s births, affordable local providers are desperately needed.
THE PROBLEM
· In isolated communities, obstetrical providers often have limited training and lack even the most basic equipment for their work.
· Community members are unaware of social issues impacting these health outcomes such as malnutrition, unsafe drinking water and limited knowledge of appropriate pre and postnatal care methods.
THE SOLUTION
· KareKits for Midwives: Through local partner organizations, a capacity-building workshop with hands-on activities (using our KareKits training device) will be implemented to educate on various health topics. Each midwife will also receive a low-cost kit, equipped with the necessary resources needed to prevent the common causes of maternal and child deaths.
· KareKits for Moms: These contain newborn care items, each item having illustrated informational pamphlets to educate mothers on various life-saving health topics, such as Kangaroo Care, importance of exclusive breastfeeding, etc.
· KareKits for Kids: Playful Pediatrics are a series of hands-on lessons for elementary school children to teach about: STEM concepts as they relate to medicine, nutrition, the importance of good hygiene and about oral health. Visits will include general malnutrition and vision screenings for the children, in addition to school-based nutrition development projects. Furthermore, each child will be given a KareKit – kits containing hygiene essentials and school supplies.
Moreover, we aim to aim to address multiple points of need related to maternal and child health through various grassroots outreach initiatives, such as a sickle cell disease outreach clinic, menstrual hygiene program, and more!
HOW YOU CAN HELP
· A $10 donation will fund a KareKit for a midwife.
· A $20 donation will fund a KareKit for a mom.
· A $25 donation will fund a KareKit for a kid.
· All other donations are welcome and will contribute to additional resources required for our midwife training sessions, grassroots outreach projects and logistical needs.
I am Dominique Ferrarelli, the founder of this initiative. KareKits has truly become my labour of love and I sincerely appreciate all your support! All funds will be managed by me, with the donations directly supporting either materials for our KareKits or grassroots outreach projects.
This campaign is part of the 2018 Clinton Global Initiative University Commitments Challenge.
https://karekitsblog.wordpress.com
https://www.facebook.com/GuatemalaKareKits/
Our goal is to reduce the number of preventable maternal and child deaths in Guatemala by helping to prepare and sustain local midwives in their communities. Given the 5000 year history of midwifery in Guatemala, it should come as no surprise that midwives have the greatest influence on health-related decisions, and are present for 80% of births. With Guatemala currently lacking the hospital capacity to accommodate more than 20% of the country’s births, affordable local providers are desperately needed.
THE PROBLEM
· In isolated communities, obstetrical providers often have limited training and lack even the most basic equipment for their work.
· Community members are unaware of social issues impacting these health outcomes such as malnutrition, unsafe drinking water and limited knowledge of appropriate pre and postnatal care methods.
THE SOLUTION
· KareKits for Midwives: Through local partner organizations, a capacity-building workshop with hands-on activities (using our KareKits training device) will be implemented to educate on various health topics. Each midwife will also receive a low-cost kit, equipped with the necessary resources needed to prevent the common causes of maternal and child deaths.
· KareKits for Moms: These contain newborn care items, each item having illustrated informational pamphlets to educate mothers on various life-saving health topics, such as Kangaroo Care, importance of exclusive breastfeeding, etc.
· KareKits for Kids: Playful Pediatrics are a series of hands-on lessons for elementary school children to teach about: STEM concepts as they relate to medicine, nutrition, the importance of good hygiene and about oral health. Visits will include general malnutrition and vision screenings for the children, in addition to school-based nutrition development projects. Furthermore, each child will be given a KareKit – kits containing hygiene essentials and school supplies.
Moreover, we aim to aim to address multiple points of need related to maternal and child health through various grassroots outreach initiatives, such as a sickle cell disease outreach clinic, menstrual hygiene program, and more!
HOW YOU CAN HELP
· A $10 donation will fund a KareKit for a midwife.
· A $20 donation will fund a KareKit for a mom.
· A $25 donation will fund a KareKit for a kid.
· All other donations are welcome and will contribute to additional resources required for our midwife training sessions, grassroots outreach projects and logistical needs.
I am Dominique Ferrarelli, the founder of this initiative. KareKits has truly become my labour of love and I sincerely appreciate all your support! All funds will be managed by me, with the donations directly supporting either materials for our KareKits or grassroots outreach projects.
This campaign is part of the 2018 Clinton Global Initiative University Commitments Challenge.
https://karekitsblog.wordpress.com
https://www.facebook.com/GuatemalaKareKits/
Organizer
Dominique Ferrarelli
Organizer
Amherstburg, ON
