Page 5 - GDG_NZ Annual Report 2021
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Annual Report 2021 5 Global Development Group NZ
Responding in the Midst of Crisis:
Our COVID-19 Response*
From oxygen supplies in India to food parcels in South Students at J602N The Umoja Centre have their temperatures taken before
Africa, our partners’ COVID-19 responses have been attending school. Alongside this, the project has provided hand washing
innovative and varied, recognising and responding to stations and masks and for all students, to help protect against COVID-19.
the changing needs within their community. COVID-19
has impacted our projects in ways no one could have Information and Awareness
anticipated, both in immediate needs such as health
and livelihoods, through to secondary impacts such GDG partners have worked with thousands of families over the
as the rise in online sexual exploitation following the past year to raise awareness of COVID-19 risks and prevention
move to digital learning for school children. strategies, empowering them to protect themselves and help
curb its spread. Radio has proved an invaluable tool to reach
Years of working at the grassroots level in communities, rural communities with this information, with GDG partners
developing trust and relationships with government Irene Gleeson Foundation, Uganda (J747 IGF Community
and community leaders means our partners have been Development Project) and 3 Angels Nepal (J1000N
instrumental in the provision of relief and support during this Captivating Nepal - Stop Trafficking/Empower Women)
critical time. Many partners, like LIFT for J886N in Thailand, reaching millions with COVID-19 education and offering
have been approached directly by local government to support.
provide such assistance.
In Indonesia and Sri Lanka our partners are educating school
Medical Treatment and Support children through COVID-19 education booklets and games.
J718 Anak Anak Bali designed a child-friendly illustrated
With the devastating second wave of COVID-19 cases through booklet with the aim of teaching children and their families
India and South Asia in early-mid 2021 came the desperate about COVID-19, while J696N Child Action Lanka utilised
need for medical support, as existing healthcare systems interactive options such as COVID-19 version of the game
experienced significant strain. Global Development Group’s snakes and ladders, alongside a booklet to teach children
partners responded to this by raising funds for the provision key messages.
of urgently needed oxygen supplies in rural locations
experiencing shortages across India (J1116NR Medical Oxygen Schooling and Education
for All), and supporting vaccination vans reaching the urban
poor in Chennai (J925N Birds Nest 365). With lockdowns has come school closures in almost every
country GDG works, significantly impacting millions of
In Bihar State, India, J836N Madhepura Christian Hospital children’s education. Our partners have responded with
established a dedicated ICU for COVID-19 patients, while also unique and creative solutions to ensure children do not fall
working with local communities to prevent further outbreaks behind or drop out of school. In Peru, teachers at J728N
through health and hygiene awareness training and mask Empowerment through Education are conducting online
distribution. J770 The Tikvah Project has sponsored the
training of nurses to increase the number of healthcare
workers in their community.
Emergency Relief
As nations have been plunged into lockdown millions of
people have lost jobs and the ability to feed their family.
Incredibly, 64 GDG projects in 19 countries have responded by
providing food parcels or hot meals to families in need.
*GDG’s International Network’s response, which comprises our New Zealand, Australia and USA offices.
