HELP COVID-19 AFFECTED IN INDIA

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.