Helping Point is continuing to provide community support in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus in India.
COVID-19 cases where Helping Point operates in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh remain comparatively low, but numbers are rising. There are now 355 confirmed cases in Gajapati district in Odisha and 60 in Srikakulam district in Andhra Pradesh where many of our projects are based, and Liviri village is currently a containment zone (figures correct as of 24th June). There have been no reported COVID-19 deaths in these areas so far, and we are praying for everyone’s safety. Helping Point’s team and the children and families directly supported by our projects are well.
The situation on the ground remains very challenging due to lockdown. As described in our earlier updates, it is especially difficult for the poorest people in society to be without work, and to maintain physical distancing considering their living conditions.
Given that St Simon’s School remains closed, the building was turned into a temporary quarantine centre for migrant workers. In May, two large groups (107 people followed by 111) quarantined at the school, and they have since returned to their home villages. The fact that Helping Point has been able to assist the community in this way is one silver lining amidst the difficulties of lockdown. Another blessing is that local authorities carried out various upgrades at the school to prepare it for the migrant workers. This included constructing four new toilet blocks, installing water purifiers and upgrading the electrical system.
Helping Point has remained busy distributing food and PPE to local people who lost their work due to the lockdown, and is continually seeking to educate people about the virus. So far, our local teams have served meals to 2,000 people and have provided 350 families with groceries. We intend to support double this number of families with groceries in the coming weeks, as lockdown restrictions ease and our team can safely access more villages. Although places of worship are currently closed, pastors have been playing a part by giving out face masks and sharing information on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The children from St Simon’s School and Jhola Children’s Home are still staying temporarily with their parents or extended families. The warden at Jhola and his staff have been checking up on the welfare of the children and all are doing well. The St. Simon’s School teachers have been working for four hours each day, checking up on the children by phone to see what help and support they need. 90% of the children have access to a phone but connections can be poor so this is not an easy task. The team is also arranging for contactless textbook pick up from the school.
Although Helping Point’s usual operations are still on pause, we have incurred nearly £12,000 of unbudgeted costs since the virus outbreak. We are not initiating an official fundraising campaign at this stage as we are on standby in case COVID-19 infections increase. However, we would welcome additional donations to help meet increased expenses if you would like to give .
Please pray for safety and protection of Helping Point’s communities as we face this pandemic together worldwide.