Mothers First In Africa
Mothers First work in Africa.
In 2023, Mothers First developed a listening project in Somaliland, East Africa.
The community of over 500 households had been relocated from the city of Hargesia to baren location 20 km outside the city.
This page details our response to the community.
How we began and where we are now
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The Listening Tent.
In 2023 Mothers First helped establish a Listening Tent — a safe, welcoming space where people could come together to share their stories. That simple tent became a cherished hub, a center for community and connection.
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What they asked for
One of the most urgent needs identified by the community itself is a safe place for women to give birth. Today, many mothers are forced to deliver their babies inside cramped, dark tents—putting both mother and child at serious risk.
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What we built
In response in 2024 Mothers First has built a birthing clinic—a vital first step toward ensuring safe deliveries.
Thanks to the skill and knowledge of local Somaliland craftspeople, the structure for the Birthing Clinic has already been built — using traditional methods suited to the environment and climate. Now, we need your help to complete it and make it ready for the very first baby to be born safely inside.
Training for Traditional Midwives
Perhaps one of the most humbling experiences of the listening tents project was the request from the traditional midwives for training. This was humbling because they recognised the need for training to better serve and protect pregnant women.
We are delighted to partner with the Edna Adan University Hospital will provide this in-hospital training as part of its service delivery.
Stage 1 the building of the Birthing Centre
In this video Reakeu, a traditional midwife working in the camp for internally displaced people tells us why they need a birthing centre.
It is beautiful to hear her words, telling us the importance of this project and reminding us that the work is not yet complete.
Micro loans
One of the universal issues that emerged in the listening tents process was access to employment and employment generating opportunities.
Using the microloan fiance model developed in India, we have started a small micro loans program within the camp. 7 households have been given 120 dollars each to develop a small poultry business. They are currently setting up a cooperative to sell their egg production. The miro loans project goes beyond just providing the assistance but seeks to develop a cooperative to establish a viable enterprise
Toilet project
Having a toilet is something that we all take for granted. In this community it is a luxury that only i out of every 4 house holds have.
This is something that we are determined to change.
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