Thanks to generous donations from private donors and institutions, Usthi has already been able to provide much-needed aid and provide people with food packages in Hyderabad. Based on the current funding status, the operation is being extended to other locations.
When Usthi decided to provide Covid-19 emergency relief again at the end of April, the target of CHF 53,000 seemed high. By mid-May we had already reached our target and decided to increase it. Donations for the emergency relief are still coming in. We are overwhelmed by this great solidarity and thank all Usthi donors for their commitment.
While the distribution of food in Hyderabad could already take place in several drives, the planned vaccination drive proved to be difficult to implement. Since access to vaccine is difficult, only a few people from the surroundings of the Usthi projects could be vaccinated so far. The local partner organisation is now focusing on long-term support for people in need. For example, independently of Usthi, it plans to take in children who have lost their parents due to Covid-19.
In order to provide urgently needed aid as soon as possible with the remaining emergency relief funds, Usthi has decided to carry out food distribution at additional locations. Together with the local partner organisation, the distribution of food to 450 families from the Penthakata School area and 270 families from the Ananda School area is planned for the next few days. Besides food, the packages will also contain soap and masks. The distribution may take place on the school premises, but will be staggered according to school classes so that not everyone picks up their packages at the same time.
Besides India, Nepal was also hit hard by the sudden increase in Covid infections last month. Therefore, Usthi is now also providing emergency aid in the project region of the new education project in Nepal. Packages containing rice and lentils, but also soap and masks, are being distributed. The families of the school children supported by Usthi and other persons and families in need will be considered. The packages are distributed by the employees of our local partner organisation and volunteers.
We are impressed by the generosity of our donors and the flexibility of our local partners and staff who make this much needed help possible. Thank you very much!