The Indian government lock down has been extended until 3rd May and it is quite probable that it will be continued after that in some in some form. Most families have Government ration cards and can get enough basic food free of charge. These families have also received a small cash handout of approx. £10. However, a minority of families In the villages we support do not have ration cards and so SOTE is providing food relief for them. It is for these families that we are making an appeal.

Ladies waiting in line to receive food supplies

Our three partner organisations, CRUSADE, MASARD and CARE, have had to suspend normal project work. They have however been able to keep in good touch with the Animators and Health workers who live in the villages. These part time village based women are distributing the food parcels to the families that need them and are key in the outreach work.

We are ensuring that all the child sponsored families have enough food during this difficult period, and this will continue until the emergency is over. Similarly, we are making sure that nobody goes without food in those villages that are sponsored.

Sponsored children waiting in line to receive food

Only a handful of coronavirus cases have been detected in our area of operation so far and those infected have been removed to isolation units. Everyone who has been in contact with them have been placed in strict quarantine. However, It would seem likely that that these rural areas will have bigger outbreaks in time.

Elderly members of community given priority of food rations

Please support our humanitarian appeal. The economic and health fall out from this virus will last for many weeks and months. The Indian Prime Minister has indicated that more measures may be announced in the coming week. Let us hope that more help will be given to the poor rural daily wage workers that make up most of the population in the hundreds of villages we support.

Thank you.

COVID-19 UPDATE - 14.04.2020