Help 60 Vulnerable Children Stay in Their Families

As we mentioned in our last report, the St Andrews Baby Unit was ready for the final stages of a makeover and the installation of a biogas system.

We are happy to report that both of these have been successfully completed. The unit looks fantasic after a fresh coat of paint. One of the former residents, Newton, decided he had to be part of the transformation and came in to help (as you will see from our pictures). The matron is delighted with the results of the work over the past few months and the children seem to be enjoying themselves in the fresh environment.

The biogas system has been installed and within a week had started producing gas which powers a stove in the unit. The system is fed with manure from the cows and reduces the amount of firewood the staff have to use for cooking. It also means some of the food can be prepared in the main kitchen of the unit.

As far as the babies themselves go, there is more great progress. Bedan is taking his first steps now and Pricilla is potty training having mastered walking. Cecilia and Peter are standing on their own and starting to talk while John has been started on weaning food.

Thanks to everyone who has supported the St Andrews Baby Unit through GlobalGiving. We really do appreciate your valuable contribution!

The number 13 might be unlucky for some but 2013 is off to a great start for the St Andrews Baby Unit. Having been open for five years and home to more than thirty little ones, the unit was in need of a facelift.

One of our volunteers fundraised to allow us to put terrazo flooring on the outdoor and covered play area, the bathroom and the kitchen. This instantly lifted the look of these areas but we were left with the main hall and bedrooms looking very drab and with damaged flooring. A local tile company then offered donate all the tiles needed to refloor these areas and even got a cement company to provide all the cement required to do the job! The floor is now much better suited to the young ones and the mothers love it saying it is not only better for the children but it is easier to keep clean as well.

The next stage of the makeover is to have the unit painted. This will be done by students from another of Vision Africa's projects who require to raise funds for exam fees. The paint is being funded partly through donations and partly through a voucher won by one of our supporters which entitles the bearer to about $170 worth of paint. We look forward to the transformation being completed in the next few weeks.

Another great piece of news is that a donor has offered to install a biogas system which will power a cooker for the baby unit. This will reduce the need for charcoal and firewood and will be powered using manure from cows and pigs. The system will be installed this weekend so we look forward to reporting on that in the near future,

The babies are doing well and enjoying their new environment. Priscillah had been very reluctant to walk but is now taking her first steps while Cecilia and Peter are crawling around now. Moses and John are the two smallest babies at the unit at the moment and are making good progress.

Thanks to everyone who has supported this project through Global Giving. Your support ensures that the babies and toddlers get the care they deserve and a chance at a brighter future.