HELP COVID-19 AFFECTED IN INDIA

Dear friends,

Christmas & New Year Greetings from IDEA Foundation!

India, the world’s second most populous country with an estimated population of 1.38 billion is affected by the corona virus pandemic. It has altered life and our work in the marginalised community drastically.

Let me take you through our efforts to ‘live with CORONA’

At IDEA , we started our interventions for the marginalised COVID-19 affected people with direct bank transfer of cash in their bank account to buy groceries / hygiene kit . For people who did not have bank account , we have distributed grocery kit and hygiene kit. Food packets were also given to many .

In addition to our work in the field of education and development among the low income communities , we had to concentrate mainly on creating awareness and imparting knowledge on using safety protocols to protect themself from contracting this disease.

Then we realised the need for counselling support due to issues arising out of job loss or lack of income from small business for elders while lack of facilities for children to attend online classes due to the wide technology gap between rich and poor. Fortunately we started a mentoring program involving professionals . It  was a big relief for our children and also their parents to know they are not alone but there is someone to listen to them and give moral support to tackle difficulties .

After the initial relief work , slowly we all learned that we can’t lock ourself for so long but we need to find ways for a new normal and live with the virus .   

Many Corporate volunteers came forward and provided technology training for the effective use of google forms, whatsApp , Microsoft teams , Google meet, Zoom etc. They also gave advanced training to our staff in MS Excel , Power point etc , for conducting online classes for children and women .

Like many other NGOs, our team also came up with strategies to continue our core programs such as educational interventions for children and skilling and livelihood support for women .

We collected data on the life situation of children and women. In order to make use of the online training we had planned , we trained children and women on how to use Zoom , Google meet etc .  

As the lockdown continues for educational institutions and training institutes , though our study centres are closed for regular study classes , teachers are busy keeping our students engaged in activities as well as in academics. It is really a challenging situation for our team as it is very important to make sure that the children are in the right track during this pandemic. We conduct different competitions like drawing, painting, fancy dress, essay writing etc along with academics to sustain interest of children. We also organise cultural activities and even sports competitions virtually. Children are enjoying these activities.

 We came across many challenges due to lack of access to smart phone at home for  children while we deliver classes for them .  So our approach is blended learning  where we plan and include all children on a case to case basis - online classes for those who have access to smart phone , ' call and connect' for those who have basic phones at home or only physical work book or other study material for those who don't have a phone at all.  . 

Similarly , we derived need based support . For reviving small business of women for livelihood we helped them find work orders  . We promoted virtual exhibitions for display and sale of products made by women. Handholding support is being provided to revive lost businesses .    

Our skilling project aims at providing a ‘ second chance’ to school dropout women has started with online classes . Women who enrol for this program undergo digital literacy classes first followed by skill training .  

Now we are seeing silver lines in service delivery as people are following COVID-19 protocol and slowly limping back to normalcy . But they still need YOUR  support .

Let us all look forward to a brighter New Year with full of hope and cheer and not fear.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Dear friends,

Warm greetings from IDEA Foundation!

The pandemic has had a disruptive effect on the traditional methods of social activities, entrepreneurship and planning avenues to impart awareness and education. IDEA foundation has been knitting together it’s staff and learning the nature of such challenges in each of the various communities in Pune.

Our Social Workers have been focussed on staying connected to their projects and social initiatives, while also undertaking certain relief work and counselling youth and women and local leaders as a positive contribution to the affected families, in addition to undertaking distribution of essentials and hygiene necessities

In this COVID situation, the important connect that we mainly provide to citizens with marginal means of livelihood is primarily through the provision of basic necessities.  IDEA  distributed groceries in severely affected communities. It was a big relief for those who were dependant on their daily wages and didn’t have any savings in their banks.

Another main problem many families are facing now is mental stress. All members locked inside, no work, no money, no school … the stress on women running their families in small budget is beyond imagination. We try different methods to keep these women engaged and get expert help whenever necessary through counselling sessions and motivational programs. Our social workers reach out to them on a regular basis. We have 10 professional counsellors linked with our activities. We also have arranged mentors reaching out to children who are finding it difficult to cope up with the current situation and keep up with the technology driven information access. 

Our tailoring students have enabled the skills required to make indigenous masks. They have been equipped and tutored to make masks with the safety design and usability needs for the protection. We are also arranging webinars and zoom meetings to make our beneficiaries aware of the situation and take precaustions.

IDEA  has been working with remote  fishermen communities in Bhor and Kasurdi who have little access to media and social channels. Our social workers took the responsibility to educate the persons of different age groups in observing some of the most important safety precautions to protect themselves and their community from the virulent effects of the pandemic. 

Both children and tribal elders were made aware of the mandatory measures to be taken to keep hands clean and the mouth and nose safe from exposure to the corona virus infection. We have distributed masks and hygiene material and moreover provided a clear demonstration of safe practices and precautionary physical distancing to be observed while venturing outside their homes.

Thank you for supporting us so far. We request your generous support for this new project we have undertaken.