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Mauritania

Working With Children in Mauritania

Many communities in Mauritania do not have health facilities nearby. When a health worker is desperately needed—such as during a difficult birth or when a newborn has a high fever—there may not be one. We step into this health care gap by training and equipping Community Health Workers who help prevent deaths from avoidable causes such as diarrhea, pneumonia and malaria among children in Mauritania.

Mauritania has one of the lowest literacy and school enrollment rates in sub-Saharan Africa. We work with local partners to make early childhood education centers accessible to remote communities. We also help parents set up savings groups so they can increase their income and set aside money for medical expenses and emergencies.

Your impact in Mauritania

Together, we’re making real change in the lives of children, families and communities. Just some of what was achieved with Canadian support in 2016:

Boys and girls are safe and valued, well cared-for by their families and participating in their communities as agents of transformation. 

 
  • We held training events to sensitize communities about the importance of birth certificates to access health care and education, and the dangers of early marriage.
  • 568 children in Mauritania received birth certificates, ensuring their access to basic rights and services like health and schooling
  • 15 child parliaments are empowering young people to advocate for their rights and participate in community decisions
  • 21 community groups are teaching children and families to prevent disasters and protect themselves in times of crisis
     

Children and families are well nourished, protected from infection and disease and have access to essential health services.


  • 2,171 malnourished children were enrolled in nutritional programs and monitored to ensure they are growing healthy
  • 3,380 women were counselled on how to properly care for themselves and their babies during and after pregnancy
  • 7,661 children and women were vaccinated to protect them against preventable diseases
  • 1,500 children and women received mosquito nets, protecting them against diseases such as dengue, malaria and Zika
     

Children learn and develop their talents, young people are equipped for the future and families support children's education.

 
  • We improved the quality of early childhood education by working with local officials to train teachers on following preschool standards and regulations.
  • 5 clubs are in place for children and youth to improve their learning through tutoring and extracurricular activities
  • 184 preschool children in Mauritania are developing vital language and motor skills, setting a solid foundation for their education
  • 140 children and youth are improving their learning through tutoring and extracurricular activities like clubs and camps
     

Adults and youth acquire knowledge and skills, and gain access to resources, to help them increase their family income.


  • Savings groups provided interest-bearing savings accounts and microloans that help parents start small businesses and pay for their children's education and health care.
  • 2,059 children and adults are members of savings groups, helping families meet their financial needs and access small loans
  • 120 adults received vocational, business and finance training, improving their opportunities to earn a steady income
  • 33 farm animals were distributed to families, providing a better means to take care of their children
     
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