With the massive transformation of our lives and communities, we know this pandemic will further marginalize already vulnerable communities both here at home and abroad. To keep you informed about the status of all our projects, as well as the opportunities you have to support our work, below is a summary of some of KinderUSA’s ongoing efforts.
With worldwide governments taking urgent preventative measures, KinderUSA has had to rethink how we implement our programs while ensuring both our beneficiaries and staff are protected. Schools, businesses, and public gatherings are closed compelling KinderUSA to ‘redesign’ programs in some cases, postponing others.
Children in the KinderUSA supported school in the Ein El-Helweh Palestinian refugee camp are now receiving lessons via WhatsApp. The parents also receive ongoing awareness updates on COVID-19 via the app. This is critical, as lack of information has increased the level of fear. The goal here, as in every refugee camp across the globe, is to mitigate a potentially catastrophic scenario. In Ein el Helweh camp approximately 80,000 people live in around 2 Km2. This, coupled with funding cuts to UNRWA and the economic crisis in Lebanon, leaves the populations vulnerable.
The nutritional meals program in both Gaza and Shufat camp has been postponed and we are redirecting efforts for Ramadan distribution in Shufat. There will be more information to come regarding this effort.
In Gaza, our Ramadan program is in full gear with farmers working their lands while the women micro-enterprise chicken farming project is ongoing and also preparing for Ramadan distribution. Throughout Gaza, our staff and partners are prioritizing social distancing and proper hygiene.
KinderUSA Ramadan farmers project is much more relevant during these extraordinary times and we remain committed to funding this vital program that helps vulnerable children and their families. “Our duty as humanitarians is to intervene in order to ensure the food security for the people in the Gaza Strip strengthening their immunity, especially the children,” said our partners Beit Lahia Development Society.
We will all get through this, but the power of our supporters is important and needed now more than ever.
Recognizing our privilege to work from home, we ask you to join us in offering sincere gratitude to all the moms, dads, brothers, and sisters who are on the frontlines helping to keep us safe. Most importantly, stay safe during these extraordinary and unsettling times.
