Program Guide

In one of my first posts, I described some of the different child living arrangements and nurse involvements here at COTP (reread HERE if you need a refresher).  But that's just the beginning.  A large portion of COTP's investment of energy, time and resources also goes to a number of other programs that happen every week.  Being that one goal/vision is to keep children healthy and with their family, much effort is put into helping that happen through provision of materials, education and support.  Here's a brief description of these programs:

Prenatal

Our prenatal program provides preventative care for pregnant mothers by giving them the attention and care for their babies before they are born. Two groups, each around 20-25 pregnant ladies, come to COTP either Wednesday or Friday at 2pm. They receive classes on basic care for infants, how to have a healthy pregnancy, and a bag of rice and beans (every other week).  After the baby is born, the mother begins to come the second Thursday of each week where they continue to take classes and receive food. This program is ran by our Haitian staff member, Renel. 

Formula

Babies whose mothers have passed away, or are unable to breastfeed, can be accepted into this program. Care givers come to COTP every other Tuesday to exchange their cans for new formula. Admits to this program also receive lessons on the nutritional and developmental needs of their baby. This program is intended for babies younger than the age of 1.

Medika Mamba

Medika Mamba (MM), “peanut butter”, is a high nutritional therapeutic food intended for children 6 months of age to 5 years old, who are moderately to severely malnourished. Similar to the formula program, the baby’s caregiver comes to COTP every other Tuesday to receive more MM.  A child eats a few tablespoons of MM each day and for about 8-12 weeks and should be chubby in no time. This program has a 85% success rate.

School Sponsorship

This program provides the opportunity for children who are associate with COTP to attend school. Through monthly contributors, these children can afford their tuition, books, and uniform. Without this program, some of these children would not have the opportunity to receive an education. If you would like to begin sponsoring a child to attend school, please e-mail: cotpdirector@gmail.com


So as you can see, as an organization, we have as much going on inside as we do outside of the gates and walls of the compound.  The formula program and medika mamba program participants come to receive theses nutrition supplements during the open gate day hours that I described in the other post.  Therefore, as one of the nurses, I am there when they come to assist with any medical needs.  Now that I have been here for nearly two months, I have seen and recognize the babies that return week after week for their respective program .  It is so encouraging when they are weighed from week to week and we see that they have gained weight!  When they are first admitted to one of the two programs, a goal weight is set for each baby. When the goal weight is reached and maintained, they are graduated from the program.  Love it when I see healthy, plump babies leaving in the arms of a parent/caregiver who is grinning from ear to ear. An exciting achievement for all.