The NGOs are well-established grassroots organizations; accountable to their local communities, with a broad base of local support. Their leaders, staff and volunteers are members of the local community.
The Education for Empowerment project supports after school tuition centres, tailoring and typing classes, summer camps and sensitisation visits to workplaces. These combine to provide support for young people to stay in school and find safe and sustainable employment opportunities.
In March, the project was on track and making effective progress. However, COVID-19 saw operations suspended between April and June to prevent the spread of the virus. India went into one of the harshest lockdowns in the world.
Our partners quickly turned their attention to providing relief to their communities, as people were unable to work or access food markets. The staff and volunteers organised supplies such as rice, dhal, oil, soap and masks, which were distributed to specific homes, with a focus on elderly family members, widows, migrant workers and children without families.
The teams have been creating awareness of good hygiene practices such as mask wearing and hand washing, and encouraged healthy eating. Classes in tailoring, handicrafts and typing for women and young people have now resumed but with smaller numbers due to social distancing regulations.
The strength and resilience of the NGO partners and how they've adapted to continue to serve their communities has been truly impressive. With thanks to Navitas’ support, we are cautiously optimistic in a year that has been so difficult for so many.
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