THE IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IS GLOBAL AND AFFECTS EVERY ONE OF US, NOT ONLY PUTTING OUR HEALTH AT RISK BUT ALSO DESTABILISING OUR DAILY LIVES AND DISRUPTING OUR SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT.

It is also well-known that the most disadvantaged people are affected more severely when such crises surge threatening to deteriorate already fragile contexts, in particular by shortening access to health care, education or training, reducing the opportunities for decent employment and aggravating or causing trauma. This is why in these uncertain times, it is essential to SA4D that we continue to stand together and pursue our mission to support disadvantaged children and young people worldwide in becoming engaged, healthy, educated and employed citizens, through sport and play.

WE TAKE ACTION

Our priority is to keep supporting the most vulnerable in responding to their needs and developing the necessary skills and capacities that will help them overcome this crisis as well as the multiple challenges ahead and (re-)build their future, at the same time ensuring the safety and protection of everyone involved. Responding to the call from our local partners in Colombia, Uganda and Zimbabwe, we have set up concrete support strategies and protective measures to help them deal with the crisis.

The schools and training centers we support in Colombia and Zimbabwe had to close like most educational institutions around the world. In order to maintain access to quality education for children and young people despite the health crisis, we are working closely with our partners to find alternative solutions. In Colombia, we support teachers in adapting to online teaching. In Zimbabwe, have been able to ensure the supply of water and soap, disinfectants, protective masks and other hygiene products so that girls can go back to school.

PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT IS VITAL

SA4D is also strengthening its support for refugees in camps in Uganda by maintaining individual psychosocial support consultations that are vital for vulnerable and traumatized people. SA4D also plans to raise awareness about good hygiene practices to reduce risks of contracting the virus, through door-to-door visits and by distributing information leaflets.