Normal schooling is still a long way off in the Usthi education projects. The schools are forced to teach the children and young people online. Only the skills training courses can currently take place physically.

For a short time, our partner organisation in Hyderabad hoped that the children from the Usthi projects would soon be able to participate in face-to-face classes again. However, with the threat of a third wave, online classes now continue. Shortly before the planned relaxation, the local government decided not to allow physical classes. The three Usthi schools Ananda, Thaddeus and Penthakata have resumed classes after the summer holidays, lessons are still held digitally.

The skills training courses are held in the teaching centres in compliance with the protective measures. Normal operations could be resumed here and the courses are already well attended. Many of the participants are women from the Usthi women’s shelters. The tuition centres in Hyderabad continue to operate on a reduced scale. The students are taught in small groups and can request assistance by phone.

Schools in Nepal also remain closed. The lockdown will continue until at least mid-July. In January, a first distribution of school supplies for 151 children had already taken place. Our local partner is currently waiting for permission from the authorities to carry out the next distribution. Usthi’s local partner organisation is using the current situation to start renovation work in several schools in the Kathmandu Valley. In particular, school rooms for kindergarten classes are being improved.

On 1st July, Tiana Glatt joined the Usthi team. Together with Christian Rübensaal, she will be responsible for public relations and fundraising. Olga Egli, who was previously in charge, will leave Usthi at the end of the month.

Since 2018, Olga Egli has been responsible for the public relations and fundraising of the Usthi Foundation and, in case of absence, occasionally also deputised for the executive director. By introducing a new contact database and optimising administrative processes, she had a lasting impact on fundraising and donor relations. After three years of dedication to Usthi, she is leaving the Foundation at the end of July to go travelling with her family.

With Christian Rübensaal, Usthi already has an experienced employee who is very familiar with the Foundation’s fundraising. In future, he will be responsible for fundraising and, together with Tiana Glatt, for the Foundation’s image and donor relations.

Tiana Glatt joined the Usthi team at the beginning of July. In future, she will be responsible for the Foundation’s public relations and support Christian Rübensaal in fundraising. During a two-year stay in Uruguay, she gained her first experience in the non-profit sector in a foundation that aims to enable young people to enter the labour market. The studied education and culture manager is skilled in communication and is looking forward to using her know-how for the Usthi Foundation in the future.

Usthi is looking forward to working with Tiana Glatt and wishes Olga Egli all the best for her future.

After a little more than two months, Usthi has almost reached the target of CHF 67,000 for the Covid-19 emergency relief. This enables urgently needed support at four Usthi project sites in India and Nepal. At the end of the current distribution activities, Usthi will have provided food to over 3,000 families.

Despite falling case numbers, the aftermath of the second wave of Covid-19 is still evident in India and Nepal. The labour market has not recovered yet and many people have not been able to find new jobs. Without income, it is hardly possible for them to make ends meet for themselves and their families.

Already in May and June, several distribution activities took place in Hyderabad. This month, another 300 families will be provided with food. By the end of the distribution in mid-July, Usthi will have ensured the distribution of 2,100 packages in Hyderabad.

This week, the distribution of food and protective material has also started at the two schools Ananda and Penthakata. Most of the distribution is addressed to the families of the Usthi school children. All staff are volunteering to help with the distribution. The local police have announced their support and assistance for the campaign. Already 260 food packages have been distributed in Penthakata and 270 in Ananda. Further families will collect their support packages in the next few days.

In the meantime, 350 food packages have also been distributed in Nepal. Considered are families in the Usthi project region of Dhading who are in urgent need of help. Local employees are carrying out the distribution together with the local schools and authorities. The distribution of another 150 packages is planned for the next few days.

The realisation of Covid-19 Emergency Relief is only possible for Usthi thanks to the generous support of numerous private donors, foundations, parishes and the public sector. For this we say thank you from the bottom of our hearts!