After our projects and the beneficiaries of the Usthi Foundation were heavily affected by the lockdown, the Usthi projects are slowly resuming operations. Thanks to numerous donations, emergency aid for the affected families from the Usthi projects in Hyderabad was successfully provided and has now been completed.
Following our three video messages, we wish to inform you, by way of this newsletter, about the current condition of the children and young people in our care. Of course, problems have not simply gone away and we have new challenges to face after the Indian government’s decisions to lift the lock down on 29th May.
The two videos from mid-April and early May have had an effect. After the first video interview with kurt Bürki (german), Usthi was in a position to provide food parcels to the unemployed mothers of our children. In the first week of May, we hoped that restrictions would be relaxed. When these, however, were then extended to 29th May, distribution had to be started anew. We reported on the success of the first distribution campaign in the second video (german). The extension of restrictions until the end of May was also part of that information. As a result of the appeal, a second distribution of food to families became possible. Together with our local partner, we have distributed a total of more than 8,200 food parcels. With the COVID-19 emergency aid donations of 24,975.00 CHF received so far, Usthi was able to make a major contribution to this campaign. Thanks to the Usthi contribution and additional local donations, the local partner was able to distribute more than 8’200 food packages.
The lockdown in India has now been lifted, shops are open, trains and buses are running again and travel by plane is possible. These measures have, of course, not eradicated the economic damage of the past three months. Although Covid-19 case numbers continue to increase, the State has been forced to return to normality in social life.
Our children and teenagers are currently on official summer holidays until the third week of June. The State will later decide whether the schools can open again. Millions in the lowest social strata are returning to work trying to survive. Only the future will show how the return to normality develops. We are far from being able to make clear plans. As if the lock down were not enough, Cyclone Amphan, last week, caused massive damage to our Ananda school campus in Calcutta. It is now our job to try to manage the daily changes in living conditions.
Here in Switzerland, the Usthi Foundation is facing enormous challenges. Covid-19 will become a question of survival for us. We shall not be able to cope with this alone. We shall only be able to fulfil our mission with your help and that of the wider public. So much for the approaching period of uncertainty.
Thanks to your spontaneous and generous help, we have been able to survive the difficult time up to the end of May. We should like to take this opportunity to thank you for your solidarity. Our work for more justice and less discrimination continues. This is what we wish to achieve for all children. Thank you for standing by us!
