COVID-19 Response

Sanitary Napkin Distribution at Vriddhi project LR Nagar & Ambedkarnagar

Through the Arogya Seva Organization, the volunteers from PADSQUAD collected the Sanitary Napkin’s from Children’s Movement for Civic Awareness (CMCA). CMCA was formed in 2000, after an informal brainstorming session threw up the idea that children were easier to influence than their hardened parents. It is a volunteer-driven, civil society organization that empowers children to be active citizens and has 384 school civic clubs that exist in eight cities and 22 villages.

A total of 750 packets of napkins were received and distributed among 75 adolescent girls and 230 women. The beneficiaries include the parents of our sponsored children and Self-Help group women.

Unnathi Project, Jamakhandi

Centre for Social action (CSA), Christ Educational Society (CES), Bengaluru.

Bangalore Rural Educational and Development Society (BREADS) Through Responsenet, Delhi

COVID 19 intervention report

Covid -19 Interventions in Rural Projects

Covid-19 has caused major disruptions in the world. The ongoing pandemic is already affecting many aspects of our daily life and will undoubtedly force rearrangements on our globalized society. As many are saying, this is a ‘before-and-after’ moment. As the nationwide shutdown is still into effect, charitable and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have stepped up to tackle the challenges posed by the COVID-19 situation and the consequent socio-economic impact on the weaker sections of society. The lockdown has forced the beneficiaries to stay in their houses and it affected their income drastically. This, severely affected rural income, many are forced to come back to their home from cities and that again added fuel to the situation. The havoc that was created by the pandemic also has a massive impact on the psycho-social well-being of the individuals. Women and children are at greater risk as they are living in an unsafe environment and are prone to social inequities like gender-based violence and child abuse, lack of security, money and health. Of the several implications on humanity, the issues of health, the rapid decline of economy, poverty, unemployment, migration and shortage of medicines, sanitizers, masks, and other essential items have undoubtedly taken the centre stage and each has left a mark on the lives of people. Many children are in difficult circumstances where they witness the sufferings of their parents as a result of the lockdown.

In tandem with the nation’s fight against the virus spread, Unnathi project of CSA, with the support of Bangalore Rural Educational and Development Society (BREADS) through Responsenet organization, helped 330 beneficiaries. The process and the details of the interventions carried out by Unnathi project are stated in this report.

The project worked hand in hand with the local administration and implemented the following activities for the beneficiaries

  • Providing survival kits to the most affected families
  • Providing protective kits to the beneficiaries of the project
  • Creating awareness to the communities through Panchayath members and Project staff during the distribution

The project team worked very hard to support the beneficiaries after the lockdown and networked with the local administration. The Tehsildar’s office appreciated and supported the interventions carried out by the project.

Networking with the local Administration

The project team networked with local administration and initially helped them in taking surveys in the villages and distributing sanitizers to the households. The panchayat officials appreciated the initiatives taken by the project staff.  Moreover, a short-term humanitarian project proposal for COVID intervention in the project area was sent to BREADS through CSA and it was approved. Before the proposal submission, the project team sought approval from the Taluk administration for the intervention. The intimation was passed on to the panchayat by EO of Jamakhandi Taluk.

COVID 19 intervention approved by KNH members

Need assessment

The need assessment exercise was done in 11 villages by the project team in consultation with CLA members and selected 330 beneficiaries who were widows, Devadasis, differently abled, orphans and elderly.

Survival kits distribution to the needy and poor families

The project team approached the Panchayat for the distribution of survival kits to the poor and needy families in the villages. As the Panchayat helped in identifying the most-deserving candidates, CLA members and the project team collectively decided to distribute grocery items to the needy.

BREADS Organization with the help of RESPONSENET helped with the below listed materials.

  • Oil – (Fortune Oil) –  1 pkt
  • Rice- (Sona Rice) – 5 Kg
  • Wheat Atta- 5 Kg
  • Chana Dal- 3 Kg
  • Chilli Powder- 200 Gm
  • Turmeric Powder-200 Gm
  • Salt–TATA – 1 kg each

The materials were distributed in the respective villages in the presence of local panchayat leaders of each village. This initiative was appreciated by the PDOs in the panchayat. Total of 330 families were supported with survival kits. The benefitted families expressed their happiness and gratitude to the organisation and the donors.

Protective kit distribution to the project beneficiaries

New norms were established in the world as a result of the pandemic. The necessity to use face mask and to wash or sanitize hands in regular intervals are of utmost importance. Since many people did not understand the seriousness of the issue, the project decided to create awareness among its own members. Consequently, each members were given the following items.

  • Mask-2
  • Lifeboy Soap-2
  • Hand Sanitizer- 50ml

Challenges

  • Health issue – In most villages, people are suffering from chronic diseases but they do not get access to proper health care because of their financial instability. Lack of public transport and inefficiency to hire private vehicle stop them from going to the hospital.
  • Agriculture – The ongoing financial crisis and the unavailability of laborers have affected the agricultural sector as well.
  • Psycho-social issues – Fear of losing job, unemployment, lack of income, health issues, etc., are some of the taxing situations that affect the psychological well-being.
  • Children at home – Before the lockdown, children used to spend the majority of time in schools or hostels. Now that they are at home, their security and safety are at stake if the parents go in search of job.

Outcome/Impact of the intervention

  • The project team and the beneficiaries thanked the sponsors for their support during this pandemic.
  • The selected 330 families who were offered help are very poor and needy. They are very happy to receive the Survival Kit. They said that the survival kit can help them to survive for a minimum of one month. The project stepped in to support them when they were in dire need and uncertain about future.
  • The Protective Kit also helped the widows, devdasi, orphans, differently abled persons and elderly to protect their family from the virus. All the beneficiaries are now using mask whenever they go out to public places. They are also regularly using hand sanitizer and soap to maintain hygiene. Their hygiene routine and precautions inspired the neighbours to purchase masks and sanitizer for their families as well.
  • All the beneficiaries, their family, community and the PRI members appreciated the donors and the project for its genuine intervention when it was most needed.

Conclusion The short-term humanitarian project, supported by BREADS through Responsenet, was a great support to the community during this pandemic. It was a timely help from them to support the beneficiaries we serve. The project team and the beneficiaries thanked the sponsors for their support and Fr. Joy for his persistent effort in getting the donor’s help.

3D Empowerment Project, Janakiram Layout

Event Name: – Sanitary Napkins distribution

Supported by- Arogya Seva Organization

Resource Person: –   Ms. Tarannum and Animator Divya

Place: – B’ Block, Janakiram layout.

No of Beneficiaries: -250 Families                                   

Date: -17th Aug-19th 2020.

Arogya Seva is a diligently functioning NGO which collaborated with CSA to offer helping hands to the underprivileged during the COVID-19 pandemic. Along with Arogya Seva, our field staff distributed sanitary napkins to the adolescent girls of Janaki ram layout slum. We were able to distribute the napkins to 250 families within three days’ time, from 17th -19th August 2020.

The objectives and process followed are described below.

Objectives

  • To increase awareness among adolescent girls and women on menstrual hygiene.
  • To increase access to and the use of good quality sanitary napkins.
  • To ensure the safe disposal of sanitary napkins in an environment friendly manner.

Process:

  • On 17th August 2020, CSA’s 3D Project organized the distribution of sanitary napkins at Janakiram Layout slum, benefiting 250 families.
  • Received 11 boxes of napkins and each box contained 250 packets, adding to a total of 2750 packets.
  • Distributed to adolescent girls and Self-Help Group (SHG) women.
  • Documented the signature of the beneficiaries and a few photographs were also taken for the purpose of documentation.
  • Social distancing protocol was strictly followed by the field staff and the beneficiaries.
  • Ensured the safe disposal of sanitary napkins.

COVID-19, CHRIST Interventions in Bengaluru

As part of our social responsibility, we have supported following COVID-19 relief activities;

Altogether, we have supported 12331 persons and 1030 families among the vulnerable population in our project areas. This is worth 20 lakhs 34 thousand

  • Distributed 1030 survival kits (to vulnerable population) which contains Rice, Aatta, grain, oil etc., benefiting 4120 people in 3 urban slums and 81 villages where we have our projects (in Chhattisgarh and Karnataka).
  • Distributed protection Kits (Masks, soaps and hand sanitizer) to the families of CSA sponsored children in L R Nagar and Janaki Ram slums and the villages in our project area.
  • 5000 masks were distributed in Kainakary, Alappuzha district, Kerala with the support of local Panchayath.
  • Provided resource support to ASVAS NGO for providing food materials for 500 families.
  • Our field facilitators in the villagers are Extending support to local self-government systems like BBMP, PHCs and panchayaths by creating awareness about COVID-19 and supporting the relief work activities
  • Arranged a makeshift shelter for migrants at Bomnahalli Boys hostel .
  • Our Niravilpuzha tribal project has supported 1500 tribal families with various benefits
  • Awareness building through CHRIST community development project system,
  • Among our community development projects,  we have provided COVID-19 relief support to 34 tribal villages in Kanker district, Chhattisgarh State, 11 villages in Jamkhandi, 22 villages in Kolar, 14 villages in Hoskote, Bangalore rural district and 3 slums in Bangalore.

For more information download the below document

CHRIST COVID-19 ResponseDownload

Covid-19 Relief Activities in CSA Projects Areas

Key Highlights

  • 1030 survival kits distributed in 3 urban slums and 81 CSA project villages (in Chhattisgarh and Karnataka) benefiting 4120 people
  • Protection Kits distributed to families of CSA sponsored children in L R Nagar and Janaki Ram slums and the villages in our project area benefitting 4500 people.
  • 5000 masks distributed in Kainakary, Alleppey district, Kerala with the support of local panchayat.
  • Resource support to ASVAS NGO for providing food materials to 500 families.
  • CSA field facilitators in the villagers extend support to local self-government systems like BBMP, PHCs and panchayats by creating awareness about COVID-19 and supporting the relief work activities
  • Makeshift shelter for migrants arranged at Bommanahalli Boys hostel.

The worldwide outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has left the world in the face of an unprecedented crisis. The lockdown crisscrossed with the pre-existing vulnerabilities, bringing to the fore inequalities, discrimination and anxieties among the disadvantaged sections of the society.  In tandem with the nation’s fight against the virus spread, CHRIST (Deemed to be University) implemented a series of interventions through Centre for Social Action (CSA) to help the most vulnerable and at-risk groups in all the project areas sail through the crisis. This has been done at various levels such as direct support to the communities, collaboration with NGOs at the field level, networking with local government bodies in facilitating community support programmes, awareness creations among the communities and so on. The University contributed Rs. 5,00,000/- to the Chief Minster’s Relief fund, Government of Karnataka. Besides, a total of 12,331 persons and 1030 families among the vulnerable population in the project areas were provided with relief support which is worth Rs. 20 lakhs 34 thousand rupees, through various interventions of the University.

Urban Communities

CHRIST (Deemed to be University) had supported the vulnerable population in the Bangalore urban slums in Koramangala (LR Nagar, Ambedkar Nagar), Kamanahalli (Janakiram Layout) and Wilson Garden. Under the guidance of Dr Victor Paul, Team Leader, CSA, the project field staff identified the neediest families who were susceptible to the deadly viral infection and were provided with protective equipment such as sanitizer, soap, mask etc. On 20th April 2020, CSA supported 55 families (220 persons) in LR Nagar with survival kit and on the same day 75 families (300 members) of sponsored children in Janakiram Layout were provided with sanitary kit. Dr Victor Paul distributed the relief materials to the beneficiaries. Along with this CSA also collaborated with NGOs, CSR, philanthropic groups and provided support in relief interventions.

On 24th April 2020, the writer of Slum Jagatthu, a Kannada Monthly was supported in distribution of survival kit to 50 families (200 members) at 19th Cross, LR Nagar. On 27th April 2020, CSA networked with BREADS- NGO to distribute grocery items to 155 families (620 members) and face mask to 200 individuals in Janakiram Layout. On 1st May 2020, CSA mobilised groceries and face masks from two individual donors to support 330 families (1200 beneficiaries) at 17th Cross, Day care Centre, LR Nagar. On 8th May 2020, CSA extended support to REDS- NGO in distributing provisions to 330 families (1200 beneficiaries) at 14th Cross, LR Nagar. As requested by the Parish Priest of Infant Jesus Church, Vivek Nagar, Bangalore CSA field staff supported them in identifying and distributing provisions to 250 families (1000 members) at LR Nagar, Bangalore on 10th May 2020. Similarly, on the same day, CSA field staff supported Action Aid- NGO in distribution of provisions to 300 most deserving families (1200 members) at 23rd Cross LR Nagar. The CSA staff at Janakiram Layout slum, supported BREAD- CITRIX NGO in distribution of grocery items to 70 families (280 members) on 15th May 2020 in the project area. On 20th May 2020, the members of Self Help Group of APSA – NGO were supported with organising the members and facilitating distribution of provisions and vegetables to 20 families (80 members) at 17th Cross, LR Nagar. On 13th May 2020, CSA in collaboration with REDS- NGO, BBMP, and Infant Jesus Church provided survival and protective kits to 500 families (2000 members) in LR Nagar.

CSA collaborated with BBMP in awareness creation to the people about COVID-19. The CSA staff and representatives from BBMP visited 300 families, distributed pamphlets and explained precautionary measures to be taken to stop the spread of COVID- 19. Besides, CSA staff were involved in collaborative support to the local government bodies to pack and distribute provision kits and COVID prevention face masks to 200 needy families.

Rural Communities

The CSA team in rural projects such as, Pragati- Kolar district, Chetana- Hoskotte, Unnati- Jamakhandi in Karnataka state, Pahanjoor in Kanker district, Chhattisgarh state, Kainakary block, Alleppey district and Niravilpuzha in Wayanad district, Kerala were proactively involved in coordinating and facilitating the relief works organized by local self-government bodies and   Public Health Centres in their COVID-19 relief activities

On 1st May 2020, CSA- VEP (Village Empowerment Project, Chavara Bhavan, kainakary distributed 200 face masks in 3rd & 4th Wards, Kainakary Panchayat. On 6th May 2020, CSA- VEP Project supported President Kainakary Panchayat & President Zilla Panchayat to distribute face masks to 4000 beneficiaries in Kainakary panchayat. On 14th May, CSA- VEP Project distributed 5000 face masks to parishes and St. Antony’s Mission Hospital, Kainakary Panchayat, Alleppey district. Similarly, on 25th May 2020 they distributed 2000 face masks to the nearby schools.

On 27th May 2020, CSA- VEP Project distributed survival kits to 20 most deserving families (80 members) in Kuttamangalam, On 27th May 2020, survival kits were distributed to 25 families in Pandicherry, and 25 families (100 members) in Arunootinpadam, Kainakary Panchayat, Alleppey district. Since the schools in Alleppey district started online classes for children there was request from parents to support their children with notebooks and other stationery items. On 1st June 2020, notebooks and stationery items were provided to 70 children from most disadvantaged families. 160 families (640 members) in kainakary were supported with survival kits on 4th May 2020. The Self Help Group (SHG) women stitched 5,000 masks and SHG women in Unnati project, Jamakhandi stitched 500 masks and supplied to their

respective Panchayat offices. The CSA/ ICDP Niravilpuzha, Wayanad, distributed 1500 face masks to tribal people in the 13th, 14th and 15th Wards of Thondenadu Panchayat, Niravilpuzha.

Awareness Creation among the rural communities

The CSA Rural project teams were involved in creating awareness on Covid-19 to the Child Protection Committee (CPC) members and selected child representatives of Children Parliament in their respective projects. Besides, 20 SHG women who are working as ASHA workers were actively involved in COVID relief activities of the government. In Baster, street plays on safety measures to prevent spread of Covid-19 were held in the project locations prior to the lock down imposed by the Government. The project team developed posters and pamphlets on creating awareness and sensitising the community on the basic sanitation practices, physical distancing, and following the advisory issued by the government.

Prior to the declaration of lock down by the Government of India, CSA rural projects went about creating awareness among the communities in the project locations on Covid-19.  The Unnati project in Jamakhandi conducted awareness programme on to 86 members of the CLA (Cluster Level Association) on 12th, 15th, and 20th March 2020 in three batches. Similarly, 73 CLA members of Pragathi Project, Kolar, were oriented on Covid -19 on 15th March 2020. The MEEP Project, Kainakary (CMC Sister’s Project) conducted awareness programme on Covid-19 to 44 members of the SHG on 15th March 2020.

CSA deployed ground level facilitators, coordinating to facilitate the relief works organized by local self-government bodies (BBMP, & Panchayats) and   Public Health Centres. In this regard, 16 Federation members of Chetana Souhardha Society, Hosakotte actively involved in awareness creation through distribution of pamphlets and sanitisers in 14 Villages in Hosakotte Taluk, Bangalore rural district. Similarly, I Facilitator and 17 members of the SHG Federation in Kolar were involved in awareness creation in 22 Villages in Srinivaspura & Mulbagal Taluk in Kolar district, 4 Facilitators in Unnathi project Jamakhandi Taluk, Bagalkot  district were involved in awareness creation in 11 villages in the Taluk and 15 Facilitators in Bastar project were involved in awareness creation in 34 villages in Bastar, Kapsi block, Kanker district in Chhattisgarh.

Awareness creation through training, pamphlets and hand sanitizers distribution – Rural projects

On the whole, CSA team was involved in addressing immediate relief activities, from providing targeted support to beneficiaries in the project locations, and awareness creation among the communities to mitigate the risk of the coronavirus spread in their respective spaces.