About the Project

"The aim is that first and foremost we want to help them be alive.
Once there is life, there is hope."

- Sr Delphina Zoomie

With a lack of education the numbers of early pregnancies, where the mother may not be prepared to nurse a baby or may die due to birthing complications, are high in this part of Ghana. Children who lose a parent during their birth may be considered “spirit children”, and through harmful traditional practices may be abandoned or killed.

In response to this situation, the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Diocese established the MMBH to give a home to babies at risk and look after them. When a child reaches three years of age, and if it is reasonable to do so, the sisters aim to re-home the child with their family, offering education and support to ensure a smooth transition. Those who are unable to return to their families are linked-up with the Centre for Child Development for ongoing care beyond infancy.

Opened in 1984, MMBH is currently run by two sisters. It employs one manager, four caregivers, a driver and two security guards. This project helps to pay for eight staff to run the centre and care for vulnerable infants in the very early stages of their lives—children who may be orphaned, unable to be looked after, or in danger of harm.

In urgent need of repairs and renovation and with a lack of funds, the MMBH and its valuable mission are at risk. Through your partnership, this two-part project will contribute to essential renovations and establishing a piggery as an ongoing source of income for MMBH.

Project Activities

Part one of this project has four main activities, including:

• The construction of a new ceiling and toilets.
• Purchasing furnishings such as beds, mattresses, chairs, sheets and a television.
• Purchasing office equipment to assist in the running of the Home.
• Provision of a generator to ensure power supply in an area where electricity is unreliable and scarce.

Part two of the project has three main activities, including:

• Purchasing 15 pigs to stock the piggery.
• Purchasing food for the pigs.
• Providing funds to cover the costs of essential veterinary services.

Project Aims

This project aims to:

• Directly benefit 200 babies over three years, giving them a home and essential care, as well as eight staff employed to run the Home and look after the babies.
• Indirectly benefit 1,400 people in the diocese, including the families of babies cared for and the broader community. As those whose lives are saved grow into responsible adults with strong foundations, they will be able to contribute to the development of their communities.
• Provide vital care and nutrition to vulnerable children as well as support their personal and spiritual development.
• Ensure the MMBH is a safe, comfortable and caring place for the children who live there.
• Enable the training of caregivers to provide high-quality care.
• Improve the wellbeing of babies in the diocese through community education on child care.
• Establish and maintain a piggery to generate income and help MMBH to become self-reliant.

How you can make a difference

By contributing to this project through Catholic Mission, you will be helping to save the lives of innocent babies, giving them a new start and a chance for a fruitful and healthy life. With your input, the sisters at MMBH will be able to continue the important work of caring for vulnerable children in a safe and happy environment.

*Samuel is not his real name.