It is inspiring and humbling to hear of the amazing work that the Mother’s Union has been doing in the Diocese of Angola. This work initially begun in 2009 as an extension of the NetsforLife programme and its aim was to reduce child mortality in Angola which is one of the highest in the world today.
The Mothers Union in the Diocese of Angola recognised a need for a more integrated response to addresses childhood vulnerabilities such as communicable diseases, malnutrition & antenatal care and therefore the Child Survival Programme was launched to empower women to improve the health of their children, their homes and their communities. This programme under the inspiring leadership of Mama Kikala Isabel Tomas (here pictured below presenting) enables thousands of women to address and learn about issues such as child health, domestic violence, financial literacy and savings.
As public health depends on everyone being educated and engaged and not just members of the Anglican church, in 2011 under the leadership of the Anglican church the project took on a new structure. After the Mothers were educated, they then, in turn, would educate the community with the aim to dramatically reduce illnesses and improve financial resources of the families.
Between 2011-2013, 27 members of the MU were trained as facilitators (Community Agents). These facilitators, in turn mobilised and trained an incredible 1,173 volunteer activists and they engaged women in their neighbourhoods to create Community based Learning Groups. By 2013 there were more than 2,198 women in 291 learning groups – a phenomenal achievement.
