Aspects of Care: Physical

Food
January and February are important months in Malawi. These months comprise the only time when rain is available for families to grow a year’s supply of maize. At COTN’s Chitipi Farm, with the help of gravity irrigation, we are now growing three crops a year. With this additional food source, coupled with nutritious meals packaged in the States, COTN is raising healthy, fully developed children.

Medical & Dental Care
The vision of COTN is not only to care for the needs of orphaned and destitute children, including their health needs, but also to train them to become the doctors, dentists, and leaders of their communities in the future. Our medical clinic in the Dominican Republic provides a way for U.S. doctors to come and give care to our children, and also serves as a local center where those who have formerly been recipients of our program may receive training and experience.

Sports
Physical activity is an important part of the growth and development of our children. Soccer is an integral part of the children’s lives in Sierra Leone; a highlight of the year is the annual “Rev. Chris Clark” Soccer Tournament. In the Dominican Republic, baseball games are played daily by both the girls and the boys attending our schools and feeding center. Sports and athletics helps our children learn to live balanced, healthy lives.

Vitamins
Thanks to the support of sponsors and a grant from Manna Relief, each evening our children in Malawi receive their daily vitamins. For those who are HIV positive, these vitamins and retro-viral supplements from the Gates Foundation complete their nutritional needs and help to extend their life.