STOPPING THE SPREAD OF COVID-19
We are facing a critical time during the global COVID-19 crisis. While most parts of the U.S. are reopening, the crisis continues to unfold in Sierra Leone and other parts of the Majority World. The severe effects of the pandemic are predicted to be long-standing and are already being felt.
In April, Oxfam predicted that the pandemic “could push half a billion more people into poverty” in these regions, “[setting] back the fight against poverty by a decade.”
The Accessible Hope team is committed to serving and empowering the world’s most vulnerable people. Our team continues to take action in making sure that the women we serve have the knowledge to protect themselves and their families from COVID-19. We have provided hand-washing stations (tippy taps), soap, masks, and lessons on proper hand-washing. Our International Team and Equip Partners are also continuing to educate households and communities about COVID-19 symptoms and how to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases.
We believe education and awareness will continue to be our greatest ally in fighting the effects of COVID-19.
When gathering information from our international team, they reported encouraging stories from the field that show that education and awareness really is powerful. We learned that the women we serve are not only taking what they have learned to protect their families, but they are teaching and empowering others in their community as well!
“I want to thank your organization for what you are doing for the women with disabilities in our community. One of the women who attended your (Transformation Training) class, Mbalu B., is helping us greatly. She has shared with us how to make a tippy tap and has explained how washing our hands is important for our health. We provided a gallon jug, and she helped us make our own tippy tap. Today my family is benefiting from what she learned.”
-Marco S., Community Member
“This tippy-tap makes me proud. When the chief saw me fixing my tippy-tap, he was compelled by my idea. He asked if I would be willing to teach the people in the village how to make a tippy-tap. I quickly agreed, so the chief gathered the people of the village and I showed them how to create a tippy tap. While the group was gathered, I took the opportunity to teach them the importance of hand washing, as well as teach them the virus prevention we learned from the “Do the 5” handout. The people were happy for me to teach them. I told them that Women of Hope taught me these things first, and I am glad to share that knowledge with my community.”
- Adama B., Transformation Training Graduate
We will continue to respond to COVID-19, addressing the economic, health and food security concerns that the virus has brought on and will continue to bring for the women we serve. Our commitment to empowering and equipping them in this fight remains steadfast, but we cannot do it without the continued prayer and support of our donors.
Help us continue in the fight against COVID-19.