Sweet Mother International (SMI)

projects in Kano are implemented

in collaboration with ELDERLY

CARE INITIATIVE (ECI).

ECI is a Non- Govermental Organisation founded to cater for the needs and aspirations of aged  and vulnerable persons in the society. The organisation is a member of CSOs Networks on Good Governance and Human Rights in Kano State.





REPORT OF KANO STATE SMI ACTIVITIES, FROM 10- 20 MARCH, 2011 BY THE ACTING COORDINATOR, MEDINAT LAWAL- SANI.

BACKGROUND

On Monday 14^th February, 2011, I received a special invitation by an email from the World Youth Empowerment Association Inc. (WYEA), to it event in Abuja tagged ‘’ Save African Women from Pregnancy Related Deaths ‘’. The invitation propelled my interest in the activities of Sweet Mother International (SMI) after checking the website. I filled the volunteers form and started thinking of how and what to do. Then, my appointment as Kano State Acting Coordinator came via my email on Thursday 10^th March, 2011. The need to implement programs from, 15^th March to 15^th June, 2011 before confirmation as Kano State SMI Coordinator is a great challenge. This is due to the cultural and religious peculiarities of Kano State. Since my appointment, I have made frantic efforts to promote SMI in Kano State.

SUPPORT OF TRADITIONAL LEADERS

In view of the importance and influence of traditional leaders in our society, Kano SMI started to seek their support. Contact was made to the ward head (Mai Unguwa), of Dukawuya/FCE in Gwale Local Government Area, Alhaji Tukur Maitama Ahmed.The Mai Unguwa was subsequently appointed as a patron of SMI-SAVE in the LGA. The letter was delivered and received on 14^th March, 2011. He promised to support SMI Programs and also assist in seeking the support of other superior traditional leaders like the District Head of Gwale (Hakimi) and eventually the Emir of Kano. A letter was also written to the Hakimi, appointing him as the Grand Patron and request for a scheduled visit to him on 14^th April, 2011.

Kano State Acting Coordinator (Medinat Lawal Sani) with Ward Head of Dukawuya ( Alhaji Tukur Maitama Ahmed).

SUPPORT OF PARTNERSHIP FOR THE PROMOTION OF MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH (PPMCH) IN KANO STATE

PPMCH is a group of Non- Governmental Organisations and individuals working to improve maternal health in Kano State. The Acting Coordinator was with the group on Thursday 17^th March, 2011. SMI was introduced to the group who through their chairperson Hafsat Kolo promised to work with SMI.

Members of PPMCH in a group photograph with the acting coordinator were; FROM LEFT- MUSA ISA, FATIMA USMAN, LAMI SUMMAYA MURTALA, NAFISA TAJUDEEN, HAFSAT KOLO ( Chairperson PPMCH), MEDINAT LAWAL- SANI (Kano State SMI Acting Coordinator), AMINA SULEIMAN, SALISU YUSIF ( Assistant Secretary PPMCH), AUWALU BAPPA, NURA HALADU.

CONTRIBUTION TO THE AFRICAN AMAZONS MAGAZINE

DR Binta Tijjani Jibril of Bayero University, Kano  was contacted on 17^th March and she agreed to send an article on ‘’ Importance of girl child education from basic to tertiary level with emphasis on science and technology towards reducing maternal and child mortality (Socio economic perspective)’’. The SMI Kano is also making effort to submit the profile of DR Hadiza Shehu Galadanchi of the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Kano, for publication in view of her achievements and contributions in reducing incidence of maternal deaths. A letter requesting for the profile has been written to her.

INUAGURAL MEETING OF KANO STATE SMI VOLUNTEERS

 The first meeting of Kano State Sweet Mothers International (SMI) Volunteers was held on Sunday 20^th March, 2011 in the Office of the Acting State Coordinator at the Federal College of Education, Kano. The purpose of the meeting was to introduce SMI and discussed the objectives and guidelines for implementation of SMI programs. Eleven volunteers were in attendance, including the ward head of Dukawuya/FCE.