Program “Welcome Babies” in Haiti

Supporting the holistic development of young children 

The program welcomes disadvantaged children aged 0 to 3 and their parents at the Fontamara community center. These families come from various impoverished neighborhoods of Haut Martissant in Port-au-Prince.

Main objectives:

• Ensure the holistic development of young children and monitor key psychomotor milestones
• Involve parents by building on their knowledge and experience
• Raise awareness and exchange on topics such as childhood, risk management, self-esteem, women’s rights, and more
• Improve the nutritional status of children suffering from malnutrition

Wavestone’s contribution focused on two areas:

• Nutrition program for children suffering from malnutrition. Between 2018 and 2020, 51 children were welcomed, with families receiving tailored follow-up (regular contact and home visits when necessary).
• Improvement of the water supply system, now providing running water in bathrooms and kitchens and quality sanitary facilities.
• This upgrade has eased hygiene practices and relieved animators from carrying heavy water loads daily.

This upgrade has eased hygiene practices and relieved animators from carrying heavy water loads daily. Thanks to competitive bidding, the total cost of works was reduced, allowing the association to also repair the perimeter wall, ensuring safety and privacy for animators and families.

Impact during the COVID-19 crisis:

The early stimulation program was suspended from March to August 2020 due to the health emergency, but contact with families was maintained. The nutrition program continued and even welcomed more children than usual, as the crisis was primarily economic rather than health-related.

Each year, around 160 disadvantaged children aged 0 to 3 and their parents join the “Welcome Babies” program.