“…these mothers have discovered that they are their child’s first and most influential teachers.”

Pictured above: Melissa Kauk surrounded by PMJ First 1,000 Days Staff

I’m encouraged by The First 1,000 Days program because I know the immense impact it can have on a child and on that family. My passion for all children comes from seeing the  blessings my own grandchildren have in the United States, just by where they live and the parents  they have. Every child deserves a chance to grow and thrive! Every parent wants their child to succeed, to reach their potential and every parent wants to protect their child from the many hardships of this world. 

The First 1,000 Days program was founded on the fact that 80% of a person’s brain is developed by the age of 3. This level of development has not been achieved in Haiti in most areas. Studies show that only about 45% of Haitian 3 year olds have developed their brain to its fullest capacity. How could this be? Poor nutrition and health conditions are the primary factors limiting brain development. 

 Pictured above, left to right: Melissa Kauk and Pastor Wilna

Many Hands makes it a priority to safeguard this critical first 1,000 day period by walking with parents to ensure that growth happens through nutritional, medical, educational, and spiritual support. Our program in Haiti empowers parents to make a difference in their child’s life by partnering with us to ensure nutritional and physical needs are met. I respect our model of parent involvement. 

Pictured above: Kids in Haiti

Many Hands serves in one of the poorest nations, in one of the poorest communities in Haiti. Partnering with these mothers gives a light of hope for their child. It is a joy to witness mothers and babies coming daily to one of our four Love-in-Action centers for a time of worship, scripture reading, and prayer before eating a healthy lunch. We also get to watch the children interact with books and toys. We believe that if daily nutrition, basic health, and cognitive stimulation is met by the age of 3, that child has the potential to be a lifelong learner. 

Pictured above: Mark and Melissa Kauk

One of the greatest privileges of my role is teaching mothers about the vital importance of brain development at every stage of their child’s life – from infancy to walking. I focus on age-appropriate activities to stimulate brain growth, encourage eye contact, and promote verbal development.  One thing I’ve learned is that many Haitians don’t allow their children to babble and to talk because they don’t feel that as a mother that they’re gifted or have the ability to teach their child to talk, and they want a teacher to teach them how to speak.

Through the training we’re able to provide, these mothers have discovered that they are their child’s first and most influential teachers. By empowering moms to recognize their incredible ability, we’ve seen a remarkable transformation. They’re now confidently engaging with their babies, singing, and nurturing their development long before preschool. 

“It’s truly inspiring to witness.”

Many Hands is an Iowa-based nonprofit creating local and global life-transformation by strengthening families.  Established in 2008, the organization focuses on six key areas for transformation, including education, agronomy, leadership development, safe homes, medical assistance, and economic development. Each year, the organization reaches at least 25,000 people through their Haitian operations, IMPACT trips, and Many Hands four Thrift Markets located in the greater Des Moines, Iowa area. 

Many Hands is called to transform together, to be love in action, in a broken world.