"It's really hard to sustain this lockdown with no business. I have seven mouths to feed and we have been managing by cutting out our meals. The government has not yet given us any support and I am really grateful for the effort and help you have given. God bless you!"
- Beneficiary, Nepal's Covid-19 Food Relief Project.
Nepal faces its second wave of Covid-19. In a bid to control the outbreak, the country has been in lockdown since April 29. While the lockdown certainly flattens the curve, it poses an immense crisis to daily wage earners and migrant workers who rely on the informal labor sector to earn a living. Additionally, with travel restrictions, many are not able to return to their villages and are trapped in the city with no work and no food.
In response to this situation, GPW Nepal in collaboration with GPF Nepal has started the "Project Samudaya Sewa," Project Community Service in Nepali, to help provide food relief and support to the families of the daily wage earners and laborers.
To date, the project has reached 240 families and looks forward to serving more disadvantaged families. The project has encouraged many families to start Family Volunteers for Peace(FVP) projects as they take initiative to serve their community during this extraordinary time of crisis.
"The happiness on the recipients' faces along with their blessings have been a real kick for me. It has made me realize that even our small efforts can have a huge impact on someone's life. I am grateful and satisfied this morning, couldn't ask for more. Hope in the future I can be of more help", said Rakshya who volunteered for the project. She is one of the 'Capacity building for Peacebuilders' graduates last year.
The project has seen people and families come together to serve and help each other in need, bringing in much-needed hope, unity, and resilience to face one of the biggest crises Nepal has ever seen.
We are proud to see our local chapters taking initiatives and showing love, compassion and encouraging families to take ownership of the community's needs.
If you want to support GPW Nepal's efforts, DM their Facebook page.