Tushinde - Kenya 2020
Responding to Covid-19 - Providing care packages to vulnerable families
Tushinde supports vulnerable families and their children from crisis to independence. The youth programme, which is principally ALMT funded, engages with youth in several ways with the aim of empowerment, development of confidence, life skills, and a positive mindset.
Covid-19 has impacted Tushinde’s work and beneficiaries' lives significantly. The primary impact has been loss of employment and resulting inability to buy food and pay rent. Most families engage in casual labour and live “hand to mouth”. The majority of people are unable to work given theshutdown which has closed markets, curtailed hawking, and prohibited the selling of street food. In addition, prices have increased due to limited supply of produce and the impact of travel restrictions. Schools have closed so children are home and hungry. Research shows that child abuse, domestic violence and substance abuse all increase when people are out of work and home. In times like this, youth are at even higher risk of dangerous activities such as transactional sex or gang activity. They may be at an increased risk for hunger, neglect, abuse, and illness as well.
This project will provide emergency food support for 30 families per month for 6 months; hygiene items (soap, hand sanitizer and sanitary napkins) for 100 young people to mitigate the risk of Covid-19, other infections and illnesses; and emergency funding that could either cover rent for families who have been evicted due to the pandemic or other unforeseen emergencies.
The project will have the following impact:
- Reduced hunger and reduced risk of malnutrition.
- Reduced risk of engagement in risky activities in exchange for food or money to buy food.
- Improved hand hygiene which will mitigate transmission of Covid-19.
- Improved hygiene for menstruating girls.
- Increased support for young people so that they know someone cares. If needed, they can be connected to Tushinde resources such as social workers, and counsellor
- Increased protection for beneficiaries from adverse outcomes during the Covid-19 pandemic.
