J1122N Breathe Life

The Situation

• Thousands of Rohingya have fled to this Penang hoping for better opportunities and a better life. The Rohingya Families are struggling with many challenges. Many are undocumented by UNHCR and are considered illegal. Their financial situation is desperate as they are not allowed to work and struggle to feed their families. They get married very young - some wives are 15 to 17 years old. They become pregnant within the first year of marriage and have very little, if any education. Their medical bills are high as they get very little assistance. They are often persecuted and exploited by authorities. They cannot register for tertiary studies as they have no passport for registration purposes (stateless). Furthermore, Malaysian law does not allow for home births and thus medical expenses are beyond the means of these families.

The objectives

1. Breathe Life helps and cares for pregnant women before, during and after their babies are born. The primary objective is to give these mothers a good experience before, during and after childbirth in an environment which reflects the best love, care and attention in the midst of their desperate situation.
2. The Project will provide Education, Training and Care to Rohingya expectant mothers and families, who are experiencing extraordinary difficulties as refugees by:

• Assisting young mothers to receive medical care.
• Facilitating application for UNHCR registration.
• Education & training in antenatal care, nutrition, breastfeeding, family planning, neonatal care. 
• Collaborating with a medical NGO in providing this care.
• Providing care during labor and hospital transfer for delivery.
•  Providing financial assistance of 50% of their hospital bill.
•  Providing baby care items and often family food packages.
• Post-natal care and breastfeeding coaching and assistance.