Happy Healthy Birthdays for These RCP Children!

The Reaching Children’s Potential (RCP) program of the Ukwega Ward in central Tanzania measures its success by the growth and development of the children in the program. Meet six girls and boys who reached their first, second, third and fourth birthdays in good health and on target to reach all their development milestones in April, 2020. We celebrate them and their families!

First Birthdays: This is a proud milestone! In Tanzania, about 6 in 10 deaths occur in the first year of life; with 4 of those occurring the first month, according to UNICEF. RCP families have the information and resources to ensure a healthy start for their children.

Second Birthday: By the time a child turns two years old, s/he should be walking and running alone, talking a little, carrying toys and exploring boundaries. No RCP children turned two this month.

Third Birthday: At this milestone, a child’s vocabulary should be expanding, and s/he should making up stories and play activities, and learning to build relationships.

Fourth Birthday: By the time a child reaches four years old, s/he should be able to hop, throw and kick balls, and climb and swing with ease. At this age, Tanzanian children are often helping with household tasks and taking care of younger siblings. S/he likely is helping carry water and wood, and maybe shucking peas, corn and beans. Playtime at this age is lessened, and the child becomes important for family support.

Learn more about the impact of Global Volunteers’ Reaching Children’s Potential (RCP) program in this story.