Moms matter. Throughout the month of May, we will regularly honor mothers around the world who inspire us. Today’s story comes from the Makeni School of Midwifery in Sierra Leone. 

Last April, Marie T. Sheriff graduated from the Makeni School of Midwifery in Sierra Leone. She graduated at the top of the class of 66 midwives who were all thrilled to begin making a difference in their country. Sierra Leone has some of the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the world – one in 23 women die in pregnancy and childbirth.

For Marie, becoming a midwife was a personal choice motivated by the desire to help women in need and make a positive change in the community.

“As a woman and a mother, I am happy for my sisters out there because I know more hands have been added to help them go through pregnancy and have a safe delivery,” said Marie. “[Midwifery] is a passion to me.”

Direct Relief provides the midwives with the right tools they need to provide life-saving antenatal, delivery, and post-partum care. All graduates are given a Direct Relief Midwife Kit that contains the necessary equipment and supplies to be used at the community health center where they are stationed after their training.

“You don’t send a farmer to the field without a hoe. And you can’t send a midwife to the community without the tools she needs,” said Marie. “To be a midwife, given the skills and knowledge, and now the tools are given to me—the Midwife Kit. It’s a great thing for me.”

You can help midwives around the world, like Marie,  prevent maternal and infant deaths. Just $25 provides the tools needed to protect a mother and bring a baby safely into the world.

Click here to donate and send an e-card in honor of Mother’s Day