OUR COVID-19 RESPONSE

EDUCATION & INFORMATION

In this current global pandemic crisis, we know that people with disabilities are the most at risk.

We believe in the importance of providing those we serve with the resources and tools needed to combat the COVID-19 virus. In order to do this, our team created a COVID-19 Prevention Lesson, knowing that knowledge helps reduce fear and enables people to feel more empowered to address what could be coming. The COVID-19 Prevention Lesson was specifically designed for oral learners, using African fable-style stories and demonstrations that would help people understand germs and how they spread. The COVID-19 Prevention Lesson also includes a handout based off of WHO and CDC recommendations that demonstrates six easy things one can do to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, particularly COVID-19.

Our partners on the ground in multiple countries have used this lesson with the vulnerable people groups they serve. We want to make the COVID-19 & Virus Prevention Lesson available for download and we pray that it will be a blessing to you and to those you serve.

HEALTH & HYGIENE KIT DISTRIBUTION

Kit Distribution in Sierra Leone & Burundi to over 800 vulnerable women

Through your generous donations, over 700 women were provided with Health & Hygiene Kits by our partners in Sierra Leone and Burundi. Each kit contained the materials needed to set up a tippy tap hand-washing station, a bar of soap, a mask, and the Virus Prevention handout. The masks were sewn by program participants in Sierra Leone.
In each community, the women were taught the proper method for using a tippy tap and for wearing a mask. They were encouraged to take this knowledge back to their families and communities, so that others would also understand what to do, thus reducing fear and panic.

CASH DISTRIBUTION

QUARANTINE RELIEF & CARE

Assistance for families in Quarantine

Spending 2-3 weeks in quarantine is very difficult in Sierra Leone. Guards are stationed at the home, with security tape surrounding the premises. No one is allowed to enter or leave for any reason. Relief packages, containing food supplies, water, charcoal for cooking, and other basic necessities are delivered to quarantined families. Quarantined families are also given emotional support and care during their isolation.

HEAR HOW YOU ARE MAKING AN IMPACT

“I thank God for providing a way for me to make a tippy-tap. This tippy tap has given me and my family the ability to wash our hands every day.” -Rugiatu K., Makeni, Sierra Leone

“Since using this tippy tap, I have noticed less sickness in my family. We are all washing our hands more frequently.” -Hannah K., Makeni, Sierra Leone

“This tippy-tap makes me proud. When the chief saw me fixing my tippy-tap, he was compelled by my idea. He asked if I would be willing to teach the people in the village how to make a tippy-tap. I quickly agreed, so the chief gathered the people of the village and I showed them. While the group was gathered, I took the opportunity to teach them the importance of hand washing, as well as teach them the virus prevention we learned from the handout. The people were happy for me to teach them. I told them that I am glad to share that knowledge with my community.” -Adama B., Kamalo, Sierra Leone

“I want to say thank you to those who provided for us, because they always remember us in time of crisis. Even though the pandemic is greater in your own country that it is in ours, you still remember us. May the Lord remember you.” -Hawa K., Makeni, Sierra Leone

“As a single mother with two children this money will carry me a long way.” -Mariatu B., Kamakwie, Sierra Leone

”Today, you have made us feel like we belong. Other NGO’s come to give help to disabled people, but they select the categories of disabilities to give to, but you did not discriminate, but gave to all of us. We appreciate you for what you have done for us.” -Yeanoh C., Kamakwie, Sierra Leone

“In times like this, it is the women who suffered the most, and especially disabled women. I thank you all for bringing food to our table.” -Fatu B., Magburaka, Sierra Leone

“A special thanks to God Almighty for the relief we received. This year I planted my groundnut farm without needing to take a loan from anybody. I used the money they gave us to buy the groundnut seed I planted. This was the first benefit I have ever received from any organization. Others have come, but have not recognized those of us with elephantiasis as disabled people, but WOHSL is a “mother organization” and does not show partiality between us.” -Marie T., Kamakwie, Sierra Leone

“I am very grateful to Accessible Hope through ADEMA Ministries for providing me with lessons and materials to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 that threatened us. Before, I didn't know how COVID-19 infected someone, or how to protect myself against it. Back home, we used to wash our hands in the same bucket, with everyone using the same water. However, now I have installed the home tippy-tap given by Accessible Hope so we can wash our hands properly. I also taught it to my family and neighbors so that we can better protect ourselves.” -Violette, Makamba, Burundi

“I am infinitely thankful to Accessible Hope who worked day and night so that we could have good lives like everyone else. At the time when COVID-19 was killing many people, Accessible Hope sent us lessons and Health & Hygiene Kits to protect us against this pandemic. I believe that if Accessible Hope had not come in to help us, many of us who live with disabilities here in Makamba would have died.” -Flora, Makamba, Burundi