Ethiopia: Solidarity in times of Covid

Distributing food in Muketuri

Source: Fundacion Emalaikat

In Muketuri, in the remote Ethiopian highlands, the news of the Covid 19 pandemic arrived in March 2020, with the government order to close all schools, state offices, and limitations on transportation and market places. Many lost their precarious jobs, the prices of transport and basic goods rose rapidly.

For the families of the children who attend the San José Maternal and Child Centre in Muketuri, the temporary closure was a great concern, because since most of the pupils come from very poor families, and receive most if their meals at the school,

From April to October we organized weekly food distribution to 104 families. The orchard and the cows at the Centre were an important source of help, since we were able to include milk, carrots, cabbages, onions, chard and beets in the food supplies. In addition, each family received pulses and pasta.

Our other projects, including an agricultural training program for farmers and a well digging project were affected by the rise in prices.

We supported 375 families with the distribution of seed potatoes, taking advantage of the short rainy season, so they could have a large production of potatoes for consumption and sale.

Both the distribution of food and seed potatoes in the Muketuri area has been possible thanks to the solidarity of many people. Thanks to the collaboration of many, almost 3,000 people received nutritional support during the six month Covid lockdown.

Just over 2,000 people are known to have died of Covid in Ethiopia so far (out of a population of 112 million) and infection have declined recently. However until a vaccine program takes place, safety measures will have to continue - and this part of the country which was already living in dire poverty, will be struggling.

The projects in Muketuri are run by Fundacion Emalaikat with the St Paul the Apostles Missionary Community, which is supported by the London-based charity New Ways.

If you would like to make a donation to New Ways follow this link to our Just Giving page: www.justgiving.com/campaign/covid19Turkana

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