Health is 'a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity'. One Heart works to ensure the four primary dimensions of health and wellbeing (social, physical, spiritual and intellectual) are addressed, allowing our community to thrive.
On entry into our programs, all children receive a full health check. Where a child has pre-existing medical conditions or issues, treatment is provided. The ongoing health of all children is monitored and care provided as needed.
Physical health includes ensuring our children are active and have ample exercise. The grounds at all of our sites allow space for children to play and explore, with fields ensuring there is space for sports to be played!
In addition to this, One Heart focuses on providing three nutritious meals a day to our children, both in the homes and in school, supplemented with fresh produce from our farms. Where children have been reintegrated or are community based, we provide food care packs during the holidays to ensure they continue to receive nutritious meals.
Better hygiene leads to better health, confidence and overall growth. Good hygiene is critical for preventing the spread of infectious diseases and helping children lead long, healthy lives. It also prevents them from missing school, resulting in better learning outcomes. That’s why we ensure our children, both in homes and at schools, have access to clean water, hygiene products and are educated on good hygiene practices.
In addition to this, for our girls, we ensure that they have access to menstrual hygiene products and education. Traditionally, in many contexts, gender inequality, cultural taboos and poverty can cause menstrual health needs to go unmet. Ensuring these needs are met means our girls can continue their attendance at school and participation in community life, protecting their dignity and building their confidence, alleviating unnecessary stress and anxiety.
Our mental health consists of our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. As many of our children have experienced significant trauma, we ensure each child has counselling on entry into our program, and if required, access to psychologists or counsellors ongoing. The emotional health of our children is a high priority, and why love and care is at the centre of all we do. We provide a place where children are safe, where they are free to express their emotions and are supported through the highs and lows of life. We also provide them with the tools they need to grow in their resilience, have a strong and positive self-esteem and build strong personal relationships and connections.
Through many of the activities our children engage in, we are promoting mental, emotional and social wellbeing: participation in extra-curricular activities such as music, scouts or sporting groups, providing avenues for contributing to the running of the family and farm, mental stimulation through curious conversations, reading and learning new skills, the ability to set appropriate boundaries for themselves and others, and learning good behavioural and relational skills.
Your donation will go directly to raising happy, healthy kids and providing a pathways to a better life.
Poverty is an unfathomably large challenge, but it only takes $55 a month to change the course of one person's life forever.
Leave a legacy that will make the world a better place by creating generational change.
