Our support to the fight with COVID-19 around the world.
As the COVID-19 contagion spread daily into new countries and regions of our world, the Salesian Family also was hit directly by the virus and its consequences. Don Bosco Aid has stood alongside our Salesian brothers and sisters across the world as they work to prevent the spread of the virus and support those with it. In particular we think of those provinces and families that have lost loved ones because of this pandemic.
The Salesians’ main strategy is aimed at those in need of support during the COVID-19 emergency especially the young and poor and the most vulnerable sector of society providing face masks, hygiene materials, food relief and preventive campaigns. In response to the current situation Don Bosco Aid through €65,342emergency funding from Misean Cara helped people affected by this pandemic in the following countries:
The coronavirus pandemic was first confirmed in India on 30 January 2020, in the state of Kerala. As of now, in India there are over 120,000 confirmed cases of the virus and over 3,000 deaths have been reported. The whole country of over 1.33 billion is on lock-down with physical distancing being practiced to help curb the spread of the virus. However, these measures are having very serious repercussions on the livelihoods of the poor and the vulnerable. Life is especially difficult and miserable for the group who are categorised as the ‘daily wage labourers’. Though the government has announced many relief packages, they are limited when faced with a population the size of India. Those most affected by the small supply and scarcity of relief available are the destitute, daily wage labourers, pavement dwellers, slum dwellers, persons without access to government-provided food grains, and migrant workers.
Turkana County in Kenya houses Kakuma Refugee Camp, which is the second largest refugee camp in East Africa, with a population of 250,000 refugees. Youth and children represent about 70% of the total population in the camp. The Salesians of Don Bosco are the only organization living in the midst of the refugees within the Kakuma Refugee Camp. As such any issues that affect refugees are directly experienced by the Salesians of Don Bosco in the camp. It is an edifying testimony of living amongst the most marginalised.
For over 37 years the Salesians of Don Bosco in Nigeria have been involved in social development, empowerment of youth, community development and training. Over the years the organisation has operated a health facility in Akure, an online radio station, Technical Vocational Education Training, a campaign against irregular migration, provision of drinkable water, sanitation and health programmes, Child Protection Centres and advocacy. The Don Bosco health Centre in Akure is run by the Salesians for the purpose of primary health education and care, paying prime attention to laboratory services. In response to the spread of Coronavirus the Salesians in Akure provide support in terms of hygiene materials, PPEs for health workers, medical supplies (for treatment of persons with underlining health issues), materials to support preventive steps and create awareness about Coronavirus within the communities in Akure and its environs who are affected by the outbreak of the Coronavirus and the shutdown order issued by the State Government.
As the spread of COVID-19 reached the Philippines, Don Bosco Aid supported the initiatives of Don Bosco Pasil and Don Bosco Liloan particularly in the production of face shields and personal protective equipment.