July 2020
Improved Food Security in Lockdown
Many women in Ndhiwa rely on agriculture as their primary source of income. The closure of food markets means that agriculture businesses in the community are struggling, leaving vulnerable families with no staple earnings or food. With the additional impact of severe flooding in the area, crops have not done well and families have little if nothing to sell. Many are struggling to provide one single meal for their family each day. Our urgent response team on the ground have been distributing supplies to support those who need it. 450 families have been provided with basic food supplies to address…
Read moreEducation for Girls in Lockdown
Similar to most government measures across the world, schools in Ndhiwa have closed in response to COVID-19. Whilst school closures are necessary to control the spread of the virus, this measure has exacerbated existing gender inequalities in education. In Ndhiwa, girls are more likely to be given the responsibilities of chores and childcare when at home, and their learning is not seen as a priority. This can lead to them never returning to school at all. The programs we run through our partner schools, including our ‘Girls Support Groups’ and ‘Brighter Futures’, have had to be put on hold. However,…
Read moreProtecting Girls in Lockdown
One of the main global responses to COVID-19 has been to close schools, and Ndhiwa has been no exception. When schools are closed, our girls are at home. Home is not always a safe space as there is an increased likelihood of child abuse and neglect. Girls are likely to be exposed to violence, and left without access to food. There have been increasing incidences of child labour, sexual violence, physical assault, neglect, and malnutrition. These cases are becoming more difficult to handle and prevent now schools are closed. One of our protection initiatives is a Safe Space Program at…
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