As the country faces another extension of the covid-19 lockdown, state governments are preparing themselves for an unprecedented situation related to food distribution, health check-ups, allowing functioning of industrial units and allocation of other resources, especially for the poor. However the underprivileged are still struggling to acquire basic essential items like vegetables, masks, hand-wash, soaps among others due to a halt in income generation opportunities and poverty.
Digital Empowerment Foundation’s Smartpur team in Chirala, Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh has stood up to the challenge and is working tirelessly to help the community. With over 50 cases of coronavirus in the Prakasam district, the team led by Project Officer Sunil Babu; Centre Coordinator Srinivas and Spoke Coordinator Koteshwar Rao acquired information about the problems and requirements through local Whatsapp groups and distributed vegetables and relief-kits to around 300 families at Ambedkar Nagar in Thotavaripalem, Chirala.
They also made sure to distribute handmade cloth masks and sanitizers to the Police department, Mandal Parishad Development Officer, bank staff, Grama Panchayat Secretaries, Grama Sachivalaya Staff, Paramedical Staff, Asha workers, Grama Panchayat Volunteers and to villagers, especially senior citizens and children, to support people in the fight against covid-19.
The team, DEF’s Covid-19 Relief Warriors, were selfless and brave during the crisis, moreover, they took all possible precautions while performing these duties and also conducted a short session explaining the importance and correct steps of hand-washing, using sanitizers and adhering to social distancing.
The task primarily took place in the red zone areas as they are the most vulnerable and more than 150 community members have been covered till now.