


How did the Basic Needs Program start?
Mifan Mama's Basic Needs programme is what gave us our beginning and our name. It began with an orphanage visit in rural Anhui, and a child asking for the visitors to come again. Part of the question was "When you come back, can you bring some rice, we get hungry?" This started monthly deliveries of rice to the orphanage to ensure that the children no longer went hungry. In time other things were added, milk formula for the babies, nappies to keep them comfortable, beds and bedclothes, toys and clothes donated by supporters.
What does the Basic Needs Program supply?
It is this to which we stay true. Our basic needs programme is precisely that, we aim to help children by supplying the food essential to life. Rice and oil, milk formula, nappies, and donated clothing and toys so that the children's daily lives are enhanced, if only in a small way.
How much does it cost?
To supply 1 tonne of rice costs approximately 4,500 RMB and will feed 100 children for a month. This is obviously not always accurate as children vary by age and appetite! Milk powder costs 2,500 RMB per case, and this will help 10 babies thrive for around three weeks. Milk powder is very expensive, and we only supply trusted brands to the orphanages. Cooking oil is very important, and in some places we have seen it reused many times, if not stored properly this can lead to sickness in the children, who can dehydrate very quickly.
Catering for the special needs of individual children.
Many of the children we help have special needs and are not always able to accept toilet training as well as other children. This can lead to a long term need for nappies, which are an additional cost burden for the orphanages. Being able to have disposable nappies means that the carers can make sure the children stay clean and comfortable in both hot and cold weather. Having something 'new' to wear is also important as it can help a child's confidence, especially if they are able to choose it for themselves. It can be such an exciting occasion that whether the item has been 'pre-loved' or not is just not important.