Global pandemic or any natural calamity that afflicts the society calls for a coordinated response by well-meaning organizations. As a mother NGO, Sevavardhini has always been on the fore-front of relief work. Over the past two years, we have been active in COVID relief work.
The novel coronavirus SARS Cov2, more popularly known as COVID-19, has wreaked havoc the world over. It has resulted in the deaths of nearly seven hundred thousand people and infected millions of people.
Besides the impact on public health, COVID-19 and the consequent lockdowns also caused several problems: widespread unemployment, shortage of resources, increased poverty, etc. These effects were felt particularly in rural areas.
Sevavardhini was at the forefront of the relief effort, This included:
- Providing grocery kits, ventilators and other medical equipment, masks, sanitizers, etc.
- Helping in surveys, contact tracing and random testing when most workers were initially hesitant to go.
- Assisting migrant workers who were trying to return home in lockdown.
- Helping the most vulnerable frontline warriors, including cemetery workers, police, medical staff, municipal workers, etc.
Several like minded individuals, NGO’s and corporations worked together on this effort, which includes: Persistent Foundation, NALCO Water, Atlas Copco, Sampoorna Bamboo Kendra, etc.
Salient statistics:
- Over 30,000 beneficiaries across more than 40 villages
- Survey coverage of over 5000 families from over 1100 villages
At present, it may seem like we are nearing the end of the pandemic, and that all these woes will be behind us. But the long-term effects of COVID-19 can still be widely felt.
As per the findings of Sevavardhini’s survey, most respondents felt insecure about going back to cities but were unsure of being fully employed in their villages. Helping those out of work find sustainable livelihoods is a long term challenge. The data obtained from this survey is the first step to understand existing trends in migration and to find long-term solutions.
To support with Sevavardhini on the relief and long term rehabilitation measures, do
get in touch with us.