A History of Care for Life

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Going to Work

Upon returning home, this group of caring friends tried to share what they had learned with others. Some listened and wanted to help. Plans were made to return and teach a basic health course called Facts for Life – 10 Things Everyone in the World has a Right to Know. Simple birth kits, requested by the Ministry of Health, were made by the thousands by local church groups, schools and families. The kits consisted of a piece of cloth, a piece of plastic, a shoelace to tie the umbilical cord, a one sided razor blade, and a bar of soap in a ziplock bag. These kits could save thousands of lives that are lost due to infection alone.

In order to receive donations to buy supplies, Cindy and her husband, Blair, began the process of registering as an official non-profit organization. In 2001 Care for Life was born with a simple yet monumental mission to alleviate suffering, foster self-reliance, and instill hope.

Groups of volunteers traveled from the US to teach in schools and villages in Mozambique and South Africa. The student teams paid their own way and performed community service projects such as installing water lines, building school restrooms, fixing houses and giving food, blankets, medicine, seeds and school supplies to those in greatest need. CFL volunteers have experienced life changing lessons that give them an expanded perspective and a strong commitment to continue to help those in need.

Care for Life Goes Official

With the recommendation of the Ministry of Health, important official NGO status (non government organization) was granted to CFL in 2002. Plans for the training and supplies for the TBAs were moving forward. Important government alliances were forged and contracts entered into. CFL made friends with community, civic and government leaders who joined our efforts.

One such volunteer was an educated and well respected man in the city of Beira named Augusto Cherequejahne. Soon, work was continuing under his direction even when foreign volunteers weren’t there. A decision was made to establish a center of strength, consolidating our efforts and “planting a flag” in Manga, a village 11 kilometers outside of Beira. Care for Life purchased its first building, and after months of renovation, it was opened as the Care for Life Learning Center where classes were taught in health and Portuguese literacy. It also included a small dispensary.

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