In Proverbs 4:13, Solomon pleads with his son to hold instruction firmly in his grip and not let go because “it is your life.” World Renew understands that learning can transform one’s life. In communities where World Renew works, limited or no access to opportunities to learn simple life skills or income-generating activities can keep families trapped in poverty. That’s why World Renew works to extend God’s love through the sharing of knowledge. One of World Renew’s local partners in West Africa, Showing Everyone Love*, recognizes that ongoing religious persecution in the region makes it dangerous to visit communities in person, so it started sharing information about food security, income generation, and health through radio broadcasts. With funding from Baker Estate and Growing Hope Globally, SEL’s programs are broadcast in three languages on two radio stations across three countries.
Like many women in her community, Salamatou* continued to work in the fields and did not seek regular medical care when she became pregnant with her first child. “Not only did I not get prenatal checkups,” she said, “but I also didn’t rest. I continued to garden, work in the fields, pound grain, gather wood, draw water from the well, and carry heavy loads, and I didn’t take the time to eat well.”
Salamatou’s delivery proved difficult, and she could not understand why she suffered so much.
One evening she tuned into an SEL radio program focused on best practices during pregnancy. “I learned that prenatal visits are important,” Salamatou said. “The narrator explained it beautifully, accompanied by testimonials and a skit.”
She also learned about danger signs in pregnancy and the importance of taking prenatal vitamins, eating nutrient-rich foods, and avoiding labor-intensive activities.
“After hearing this, I decided to put everything I learned into practice,” she said.
Now pregnant with her second child, Salamatou said, “I go for prenatal consultations. If I feel unwell, I’m taken to the health center to find out what the problem is. I don’t do hard work. I eat well and nutritiously too, and I rest. This has enabled me to be in good health. ... Now I’m in my eighth month of pregnancy, I’m doing very well, and I expect to give birth in good condition.”
Salamatou said her husband also appreciates the knowledge she gained through the radio program. He insists that she continues to practice all she has learned and that Salamatou give birth at a health center rather than at home.
“He asks that I continue to make visits even for future pregnancies. And if I feel unwell or go into labor, he will take me to the health center,” Salamatou said. “I’m very happy and I would like to thank SEL and its partner.”
Please pray for God’s protection for World Renew, SEL staff, and program participants in the face of persecution.
*Names and locations have been changed or omitted to protect identity.