The Vertieres Child Survival Program (CSP) serves little ones through the age of 3 years and their caregivers, as well as expectant mothers. Caregivers receive regular, nutritious food supplements and medicine as well as baby supplies, including diapers and clothes. Classes and workshops are available to all registered caregivers and include topics on family planning, job-skill training, parenting skills and literacy.

Pregnant mothers receive prenatal care and have access to medical assistance based on need. Caregivers of young children learn how to lead their children in developmental exercises, as well as proper hygiene and nutrition. Mothers can participate in Bible study and prayer groups, and they learn the importance of teaching their children about the love of Jesus.

Project workers visit the homes of caregivers each month to monitor health issues and the progress of program participants. They also help ensure that children receive critical nutritional support, timely immunizations and medical assistance as needed.

Vertieres is a coastal town in northern Haiti. The once-forested community was long ago cleared for farmland that has since been overworked and now yields few crops. Most adults make less than U.S.$ 1 a day selling items in the local market.

Many parents choose to send their children to work rather than school, and only 14 percent of those who do attend school will graduate.

Maternal and child mortality rates are high, as only 20 percent of mothers give birth in hospitals or receive prenatal or postnatal care. More than half of the children here suffer from malnutrition and dehydration — treatable diseases that have turned deadly in this poverty-stricken community. 

Your prayers and contributions for the Vertieres Child Survival Program provide mothers with the knowledge and the resources to raise happy, healthy children. You can make a difference in the lives of mothers and their infant children by becoming a partner for this Child Survival Program project today.