This blog post was written by our Communications & Events Officer, Megan Henderson.
Every day the latest news on coronavirus changes not just here - but in the 8 countries we work in abroad. Some of the communities are able to meet normally, while others are facing lockdowns and strict punishments for breaking lockdown rules. Even in the face of adversity our Groups have built community cohesion, and seek to remain resilient and face challenges head-on. We’ve heard great stories from our programme leaders as our Groups work together to help form a community response to the global pandemic.
Members in Embu handing out soap.
Several of our Savings Groups have received training in soap making. Originally the training was helping members diversify their income, now it plays an important role in supporting the community too. In Embu, Kenya, for example, our members are giving soap to poorer members within their communities so they can follow handwashing guidelines.
In Myanmar our partner, the Mothers’ Union (MU), trained members of our Savings Groups on how to make soap and hand sanitizer to help establish businesses. These members have partnered with others working as tailors to put their talents to great use supporting their communities. Members are sewing face masks and making soap and hand sanitizer and distributing them to vulnerable people.
Our programme leader in Tanzania, Lugenge, is in charge of the Diocese’s COVID Committee. He is tasked with spreading messages to congregations about using masks, handwashing, and combating the virus. His leadership is helping not only our members but other vulnerable people in Morogoro respond to coronavirus. And because he is well known to many of them through our programme, they listen to him and respect his health advice - which is essential in the face of much misinformation and rumours.
Similarly, our Programme Leader in Aru, DR Congo, Grace Maneka, is giving a weekly broadcast on the local Church radio station to share health information with the remote communities she can no longer visit in person. Literacy rates are low in Aru, but many can listen to the radio even through a Nokia phone so it is a great way to make sure the messages are heard.
One of our members in Myanmar sewing a mask.
Community, adaptation, and resilience are at the heart of every action taken by our members and programme leaders.
Five Talents is continuing to monitor the situation with consultation from our local partners who are much better equipped to understand the impact coronavirus will have on their communities. We are encouraging partners to share health messaging to stop misinformation from spreading and urging leaders to spread messages of hope and solidarity as we know how frightening this virus can be. Sadly, the communities we serve are used to handling these harsh times - far more so than we are in the UK. Our members have come together to face drought, locusts, ebola, flooding and other immense difficulties.
We are currently gathering more information from our members and local partners so we can formulate a strategy adapted to these times but which continues to provide communities a hand up - not a handout. And of course, we are committed to empowering communities to rebuild their economy and secure their livelihoods through our programmes when coronavirus has passed. You can read more about our coronavirus response by clicking here.