By Meg Davies | Senior Development Officer
As the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to take its toll, a recent outbreak of the virus has seen Cambodia tackling its highest number of positive cases and tough restrictions across the capital city were introduced.
Unfortunately, a subsequent ban on contact sport has forced the suspension of ISF’s Football Programme. For the 770 girls involved– and 3,000 vulnerable youths in total – this has put a stop to regular training, matches, and tournaments, life-skills training, and social impact sessions.
Though our Football Programme is on hiatus, ISF coaches are still dedicated to these players. We are taking advantage of technology to come up with an innovative solution to keep them engaged and prevent them from engaging in harmful behaviours that are common in their local communities. Each week, coaches are hosting online training session via dedicated Facebook Groups and Zoom, to share football techniques and exercise plans which can be practised at home.
These online training sessions are our adaptation of our weekly in-person sessions, and ISF’s way of helping our students learn in an ever-changing world. Despite the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to your support we remain committed to continuing to provide vulnerable children opportunities to stay active, positive, and engaged through the power of football.
While COVID-19 restrictions have succeeded in lowering case counts, for many children in our programmes, the inability to work has severely impacted their families who often live hand to mouth on less than US$2 a day. Sadly, they will continue to suffer from the devastating economic repercussions of the pandemic long after restrictions have ceased.
ISF is extending our support during these challenging times to provide emergency food packages, hygiene products, and rent subsidies to families most in need, regardless of their affiliation to ISF’s programmes, in two of Phnom Penh’s poorest areas. For those willing and able, every $1 truly makes a difference. You can help prevent widespread malnutrition and homelessness by making a donation here.
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