By Sarah Ooko, World Vision Kenya Senior Communications Officer
When her children were born, Edith, 38, vowed to protect them from harm and to work hard to give them the best in life.
Over the years, she has made this dream come true, without once doubting her ability to shield them from harm.
At their home in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya, Edith enjoys spending time with her four children. She engages them in various activities at their home, including chores around the house and in the family garden. Like many families, they enjoy each other’s company.
However, as COVID-19 cases began to spread in Kenya, worry started chipping away at Edith's confidence.
"We heard that Corona had come to the country and that it was a bad disease that kills people. I became worried and feared for my family," she says.
Edith also wants to protect her unborn child from COVID-19. World Vision Photo: Sarah Ooko.
Pregnant with her fifth child, Edith was also concerned about the possible impact of the disease on herself and the unborn baby.
The stress led to sleepless nights. But a visit from a Community Health Volunteer (CHV) trained through
World Vision Kenya's ENRICH program, renewed her hopes.
"The health volunteer explained to us what the disease was about. She also made us know that majority of the people who get infected usually recover and don't die from COVID-19. This information gave me hope," says Edith.
In addition, Edith also learned that she still had the power to protect her loved ones from the disease by adhering to the recommended hygiene practices such as frequent hand washing with soap and water, social distancing, as well as wearing masks while in public.
Six-year-old Meshack learned how to wash his hands effectively with soap and water to prevent the spread of COVID-19. World Vision Photo: Sarah Ooko.
"I was happy to know that there are simple things that we can do to fight the disease. I stopped feeling helpless and began taking action to prevent COVID-19 in my home," she says.
Edith dries iron-fortified beans that she planted from seeds distributed through World Vision's ENRICH program. World Vision Photo: Sarah Ooko.
In addition to the recommended hygiene practices, Edith also ensures that her family enjoys a balanced diet.
Through ENRICH, a program funded by
Global Affairs Canada, she planted and harvested iron-rich beans. The added nutrition supports healthy immune systems and infection control. It also boosts the health of expectant mothers, and their unborn children.
Learn more about ENRICH and how World Vision is working to ensure mothers and their children get proper nutrition in the first 1000 days of their lives, from conception to their second birthday. View this digital photobook filled with stories and beautiful photographs of families who are thriving thanks to ENRICH.