Thank you for the friends and supporters who have reached out to us over these past few days, to inquire how things are going. Thankfully, at this point in time Kotdwara and Bijnor are somewhat distanced (200km away) from the capital Delhi where there is so much grief and heartache. While our team in India are somewhat optimistic and always determined in nature, we have a great sense of foreboding about the days ahead. We are on the brink (if not already) of a humanitarian crisis. Many commentators are describing the emergency as tragedy beyond belief with the Indian medical system collapsing in its ability to adequately respond.
To keep you informed here are some facts about the situation and what ‘Project Help’ is doing;
Today 27th April it has been reported
353 000 people in India were tested as COVID+ in the past 24 hours
2800 deaths occurred yesterday
Delhi is in lockdown
India has 17.3million confirmed cases of COVID (official data). These statistics are sure to be worse than reported due to discrepancies in official data and the reality on the ground (generally India is very chaotic)
Medical modelling shows that there will be no respite for at least another 2 to 3 weeks - probably longer.
It is true that in some areas of Delhi, suffering people cannot access oxygen and deaths have occurred so rapidly that bodies are being cremated on the streets
There are some cases in/near our projects but not to the extent of what we are seeing on the media. Kotdwara has a daily curfew of 2pm to 5am, which results in income loss to the daily wage earners of the slums (the parents of our students).
Already people are coming to our office for help, but at this point we are unable to help most of them
All of the jungle villages where we work are distanced with no COVID impact, and life continues as normal at this point in time.
What is Project help doing?
Our team is working hard, that’s for sure!
The police have asked for our help and daily we meet with and work with officials
Our team has embarked on a community education awareness program. Our Administrator writes;
Project Help India has developed a vast array of awareness materials in English and Hindi focusing on social and behaviour change by raising awareness about symptoms and prevention, busting myths; providing information on mental well-being and care at home under lockdown, and encouraging social distancing. The awareness materials include printed posters, banners and stickers for display in public places, mike announcement and rallies. With these all just today we made about more than 2000 people aware of this fatal problem.
We are preparing for worsening eventualities by preparing our teachers, students and speaking with their parents
We are agitating community leaders for a proactive strategy to protect our community, particularly the slum dwellers whose lives are most impacted when unable to work for their daily income.
Our efforts have been acknowledged in the local media which demonstrates the impact we are having
We have planned for the delivery of a ration pack program for all city slum dwellers (this is a huge task) in the eventuality of a full city lockdown.
Our administration centre is being converted to a kitchen, to prepare for food items for the poor and needy.
Our Indian team reporting an alarming number of suicides
“The people are not able to survive the situation when they don't have jobs, they are dying of fear.”
So, over the coming days there will be much nervous anticipation, fear of the unknown and a huge job to do. As an organisation we are thankful to be positioned to be able to help in such constructive and meaningful ways. We are feeding the hungry and advocating for some of the most vulnerable and marginalised people – especially kids, on this planet.
This is all costing us money. Please consider how you can help us financially. Over the coming days I will provide you with further updates and various cost estimates for the many needs ahead. Our regular projects continue as well
With the news that many nations are committed to helping the nation of India in this huge humanitarian aid effort, please keep us in mind if you too would like to do something. Please share the ‘Project Help India’ story with others (individuals, businesses and corporates) who might be able to help financially. Your donation goes directly to people and projects, and is tax deductible. You can make a donation by clicking the DONATE button on this page.
With all of this sad news, we are confident that light and love will shine through our work, and many will be amazed by the significant impact made by a small charity project. May God bless India and keep our team, and everyone well and safe.
A meal for a labourer with no home, no food and no work.This photo was taken exactly 12 months ago during the first lockdown. We learnt a lot from the first wave and we are applying this knowledge to prepare for a tumultuous storm. Engaging and partnering with community officials is key to our success.