This blog post was written by Rachel Lindley, CEO.

Programme leader, Emmy, in Kericho disseminating health messages.

Coronavirus is continuing to impact the countries where we are working. We are continuing to work with these steps for ALL our Savings Groups:

We are disseminating health messages and health training - particularly important as we have found in our surveys that some communities are unaware of the virus or how to protect against its spread.
We are learning how Groups themselves are considering addressing needs.
We are seeking to ensure Groups have a plan in place in case restrictions are brought in again (eg. how to keep their funds safe - or how to share them out).
We are seeking to ensure Groups are prepared for coronavirus to return or associated restrictions to become harsher again - eg by facilitating field officers to help groups identify where they can source water and soap, who are the most vulnerable in the community, who might be able to help them).
We are carrying out a survey to identify communities in particular need due to COVID-19, and what those needs are.
We are mapping which other Church agencies, aid agencies or government agencies are active in the communities and might be able to offer relief in case of need.
And, thanks to the mapping exercise of other agencies above, we will seek to link communities in need with those other agencies.
We are considering how Groups may be able to rebuild their communities post-COVID.
We want to continue to lend communities a hand up, not a hand out. Our Savings Groups are both part of the need and part of the solution (groups of women in the hardest-to-reach places, used to leadership, organising, handling money... A great asset in the response as well as being some of the neediest people themselves).

We will continue to provide updates on how our Groups are operating as the pandemic continues. Please keep an eye on our website or join our mailing list for these details.