One specific feature of this pandemic, as the word suggests, is its global reach and rapid spread throughout the world. As most countries have now been affected to different degrees by the virus, governments and local authorities have been forced to find urgent means to protect their population.
Being in continuous contact with our local partners in Cambodia, Indonesia, Malawi, Zambia, Uganda, Central African Republic and Colombia, we receive updates that they have also been subject to strict restrictions and preventive measures. Some of these countries have either imposed quarantine over the course of the month of March, while others are mainly practicing social distancing and have closed their schools and other public places.
This crisis prompted our local partners to rapidly adapt to their new reality and find innovative ways to pursue their regular activities while assisting their communities to the best of their ability. Since most have had to cancel gatherings, training, regular study sessions and close the community schools, they have adapted their way of working by resorting to different online platforms, allowing them to resume some of their activities while staying connected. Naturally, their plans and goals have had to temporarily change but they nonetheless remain active, flexible and positive even through times of crisis.
The economic situation has also been deteriorating in some countries, leaving many segments of the population in food insecurity. Some of our partners such as FUNDAEC in Colombia, or Kimanya-Ngeyo Foundation in Uganda, have encouraged their community members to initiate agricultural projects by identifying various plots and gardens for cultivation that would benefit the community at large and prepare for potential food shortages. Additionally, our partners are collaborating with local authorities and active members of their community such as the teachers or parents, to raise awareness on how to prevent the spread of the virus. For example, the PSA students in the Central African Republic prepared brochures and visited over a hundred individuals in their area to educate their community about preventative measures. Here are a few excerpts from
the messages received from our partners:
“They [the PSA participants] visited 112 people from 26 families. They realized the need to educate those around them. Ignorance and the spreading of bad information is a barrier to the application of protective gestures.” Fondation Ahdieh in Central Africa, April 2020.
“Cluster coordinators in conjunction with the teachers in the communities are continuously working with the parents in ensuring that the children continuously learn the health habits that the schools encourage. Although potable water is a challenge in the rural setting of Malawi, we encourage our parents to observe the habits of washing hands frequently to avoid diseases.” Bambino Foundation in Malawi, April 2020.
These updates give heartening examples of how organisations and individuals throughout the world are trying their best to assist their community members and help the most vulnerable even through the hardest times. Their dedication to help under all circumstances is truly inspiring
We, at Unity Foundation, cling to the hope and certitude that the world will come out of this crisis stronger with countless learnings to implement, reinforcing our oneness and mutual assistance.
We continue to stay in touch with these local NGOs and support them in their efforts.
