Mama Pack
One of our main projects is 'Mama Pack'.
This is a pack of basic needs for expectant women in Africa to increase the safety of their delivery and also to protect their newborn infant.
We currently have sent hundreds of Mama Packs to Rwanda and intend to do the same to many other countries in Africa.
Sisterhood Mama Pack
IMPROVE THE LIVES OF MOTHERS DURING THEIR MOST VULNERABLE TIME (GIVING BIRTH)
What is Mama Pack?
RSA provides free Mama packs to mothers in dire need of healthy. that are essential for the mother and the newborn to survive at least the first few weeks of birth.
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Does it work?
There is strong evidence that the distribution of these very few but basic items to pregnant mothers with no means to purchase them have significantly reduced cross-infection and child mortality. All these items are very crucial during the first two weeks of childbirth.
Through our partners in Kigali, RSA is also sure and very confident that the items in the Mama Pack have and continue to reach the intended recipients.
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RSA has no doubt that all items are used during childbirth, especially that these are immediately used by nurses during childbirth. The mother and child also have their first decent items of cloth which help protect the baby from the elements and keep the baby warm and clean.
RSA requires that distribution partners post pictures and videos Mama Pack being handed out.
What's inside Mama Pack?
Baby Wrapper
For a mother to wrap her newborn baby. It's also used for resuscitation if the is not breathingl.
Birth Mat
It gives dignity but most of all protects both the mother and the baby from unnecessary infections.
Baby Vest
this is a basic necessity. As it minimum the risks of pneumonia.
Cord Clamp
The benefit of this pack is when mothers give birth in the villages, they use thread from anywhere which causes cot death in Africa, its very high as the thread slids off causing death.
Baby Overalls
It helps them to keep warm from the cold at least first two days that babies need to be warm enough.
African wrapper
In most cases mothers have only two wrappers with them, when they give birth the use the second wrapper for their baby or they have to wait for one to dry out if it was used during birth.
3 Baby Diapers
when the baby is born the only way to find out how much they pass out is by weighing their diaper.
Pads
For the first few days after giving birth it is recommended, to use cotton pad, as most of our beneficiaries use washable clothes which cause many infections.
Sterilized gloves & Surgical Blade
In most centres they use reusable surgical blades, for the purpose of ruducing cross infection. We include a disposable sterilized surgical blade to discard it immediately after use. We provide two sets of sterilized gloves for the mother and the baby for single use only.
What do you get for your dollar?
We estimate that it costs £20 per Mama Pack distributed by RSA. The numbers of infections and mortality deaths that will be prevented are some of the factors that keep us going as an association.
Funding?
Funding has for the time being been generated from the members themselves and a few well wishers. The Association has now put in place a few fundraising strategies, like a fashion show that is being organized in January for this kind of fundraising.
The Association has in the past done activities like children x-mass parties and International women’s day to garner funds – a little has been gained from these two. This is why the association is looking for partners for this noble and essential course.
Our Review Process
We are yet to establish a review process that will involve:
Continuous engagement with our funding partners, updating them on quantities, distribution network and processes as well as the impact on recipients and media engagement;
Keeping updating records of each of our distribution centres;
Continuous communication with our partners in Kigali, discussing distribution strategies, needs assessment etc;
Systematic reports to our funding partners with a view to keep them updated on all process.
Selecting locations for distributions
When selecting locations for future distributions, RSA has so far worked with ………….and the results have been fantastic. Our future plans, however, involve the establishment of distribution centres in all the districts. We know that in every district in Rwanda there is a maternity ward and these could be our points of reference. Not only are they in daily contact with the mother’s to be, but they also know who are the most vulnerable in the community. These centres can also help us determine how many Mama Packs are needed at any particular time.
Requirements for distribution partners
In order for RSA to partner with anybody, the person or groups of persons or maternity centres must agree to the following requirements:
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Provide periodic data: RSA asks distribution partners to provide periodic distribution data;
Distribution monitoring: An additional requirement is to provide RSA with photos and videos where possible of every distribution done;
Post-distribution follow-up: RSA will require from its partners to conduct follow-up surveys at 6 months intervals, after the distribution, to assess impact, and needs for Mama Pack;
RSA will also look for partners who, in addition to agreeing to the above requirements, are clear and responsive in their communication.
Funding Partners: RSA in collaboration with Funding Partners must be able to procure enough funds to cover all costs including the purchasing of Mama Pack items, packaging them, transporting up to the distribution centres.
RSA as an organization
We believe the Association has given itself a mammoth huge task, but one that is achievable. We will endeavor to:
Build a strong network of small distribution centres who will report regularly on the distribution activities as well as the impact of the Mama Pack to the community;
RSA will always try to raise money, both locally (in England) and internationally to ensure that distribution of Mama Pack is ongoing and that it is distributed to those who need it most.
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Self-evaluation: RSA will on a regular basis ensure constant self-evaluation, going above and beyond what’s usual for data collection on Mama Pack distribution.
Transparency: RSA has so far been transparent in all its dealings. Three members of the association are signatories to the account and money is only dispersed against an invoice.
Since most of the funds have been collected from the members of the association and through activities as mentioned above, there has not been any occurrence which has compromised the transparency of the whole operation. RSA has and continues to share all fundraising matters to all its members through monthly board meeting reports.
RSA has always had one of its members present on the occasions that Mama Pack has been distributed in Rwanda.