Beatrice played a vital role as an ECD (Early Childhood Development) promoter, supporting Esther, a secondary school-going girl who had entrusted the care of her baby to her mother, Sarah. Recognizing the importance of providing her grandchild with the best possible support and growth opportunities, Sarah decided to enroll the baby in the Moments That Matter (MTM) program.
Although Sarah’s intentions were noble, she relied on traditional medicine whenever the baby fell ill, believing it to be effective, passed down through generations in their community. However, the turning point came during a Caregiver Support and Learning Group meeting organized by Rebecca.
During the meeting, the baby exhibited abnormal signs and worryingly fainted. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Rebecca and ADS-Western staff present at the meeting swiftly supported Sarah and rushed the baby to a nearby health facility.
Thanks to their prompt actions, the baby received immediate medical attention from healthcare professionals. Through careful diagnosis and timely treatment, the baby regained consciousness and started showing signs of improvement. Sarah was relieved, but this incident served as a profound awakening for her.
Witnessing her grandchild’s health scare and the support provided by the MTM project, Sarah gained a newfound understanding of the potential risks associated with using traditional medicine without proper medical evaluation. She realized the importance of seeking professional medical care for the baby’s health concerns, especially during critical situations like this one.
Sarah’s transformational story became a testament to the impact of the Moments That Matter project in the community. By focusing on changing harmful norms and promoting access to the best medical services in local health centers, the MTM project empowered caregivers like Sarah to make informed decisions about the well-being of their children.
Through Beatrice’s guidance as an ECD promoter and the support from the MTM project, Sarah’s perspective shifted, and she became an advocate for modern healthcare practices. She shared her story with others in the community, emphasizing the importance of seeking professional medical attention and avoiding reliance on traditional medicine in critical situations.
As word of Sarah’s experience spread, more caregivers in the community became aware of the benefits of seeking medical care promptly. The MTM project’s dedication to empowering caregivers and providing valuable support helped break the cycle of harmful norms, ensuring a healthier and safer environment for the children in the community.
This success story stands as a shining example of how the Moments That Matter project’s intervention can lead to transformative change. By educating and empowering caregivers like Sarah, the project continues to create a positive impact, safeguarding the health and well-being of children in the community and fostering a culture of responsible healthcare practices.