First 1,000 Days
Every year, malnutrition claims the lives of 3 million children under age five worldwide and costs the global economy billions of dollars in lost productivity and health care cost. Yet, those losses are almost entirely preventable. How well or how poorly mothers and children are nourished and cared for during this critical 1,000 day window from a woman’s pregnancy to her child’s third birthday has a profound impact on a child’s ability to grow, learn, and thrive. This is where lifelong foundations are established for a better tomorrow. Early childhood intervention is an investment in the future of The Bahamas that will have a huge and lasting impact.
Over 90% of brain development happens in the first 1,000 days of a child’s life
Poor nutrition in the first 1,000 days can cause irreversible damage to a child’s growing brain
$35 return for every $1 invested in improving the nutrition of mothers and children in the first 1,000 days
What We Do
A major key to future success and productivity for children in The Bahamas is healthy physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Through the First 1,000 Days Program, we provide at-risk families access to better nutrition, health care, protection, stimulation, and spiritual development. Because of this program, we reduce childhood stunting, maternal mortality, and infant mortality, as well as increase health education, cognitive development, and overall well-being of mother and child.
Nutrition
In the first 1,000 days of life, the right nutrition has a profound impact on a child’s ability to grow, learn, and thrive. Hundreds of children in Abaco suffer from stunted physical and cognitive development because of poor nutrition.
Children and moms in the First 1,000 Days Program receive access to nutritional meals.
Health
All children receive access to preventative health screenings and well-being check-ups. This includes the creation of a prenatal plan for the mother. Caregivers also receive health education on breastfeeding, disease prevention, sanitation, and practices for healthy living.
Protection
Many families are living in less-than-desirable conditions that lead to stress, fear, and high levels of anxiety. Children and families in the First 1,000 Days Program have access to a safe hurricane shelter for when storms hit. Home evaluations are also conducted and improvement plans are created for future projects
Spiritual Development
One of the most important building blocks for the future is a strong spiritual foundation. Children and families in the program have the option to participate in Christian education classes and spiritual development.
Stimulation
A child who is read to, talked to, sung to, and played with will have a better cognitive capacity, resulting in a better opportunity to live a fuller, more productive life. Children in the First 1,000 Days Program have opportunities for early learning and stimulation activities to increase brain development and cognitive growth.
Our Impact
30
Families Targeted for first year of program
Over $8,000 worth of locally-grown produce provided each year to families
Built community center and hurricane shelter