We need to appreciate individuals who inspire us with their acts of kindness through Covid response initiatives which are making a difference.
COVID-19 has had its grip on our daily lives and business, but it has not cancelled acts of kindness. As it spreads, so does the solidarity among people. As a community, we are collectively sharing the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic - we are all in this together.
This is going to be a somewhat different article, one that’s not about lamenting and agonising about the negative effects of Coronavirus but rather celebrating the heroes living amongst us. Now more than ever, we need to appreciate individuals who inspire us with their acts of kindness through Covid response initiatives which are making a difference.
Free masks by Looks Like Avido
Photo credits: Avido
David Avido Ochieng, a renowned designer and Founder of Looks Like Avido, stepped up to make his contribution in the fight against Coronavirus the best way he knows how. He embarked on a mission to make and distribute free face masks in Kibra - Nairobi’s largest informal settlement. His shift in production reflects a dire need for the most basic protective equipment where social distancing seems far-fetched, however benevolent.
“I was born and bred in Kibra and this initiative has enabled me to take care of my community. I get to interact and teach them about Coronavirus safety tips. Most people here can’t work from home hence don’t have a steady income, they have to choose between buying a meal or a mask. The free masks help them to move around and work safely. We have distributed over 11,000 masks and currently train a group of 12 young women.” Avido.
Photo credits: Avido
This initiative has most certainly helped a community which would otherwise be at-risk of contracting Coronavirus, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed. Avido, who has been featured on Vogue, was recently awarded the Presidential Roll of Honor Award (Uzalendo Award) which recognizes outstanding professionals in Kenya in response to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Children can smile again with Food4Education
Photo credits: Food4Education
Jakline Mudora, 25, a single mother of six depends on menial jobs such as washing clothes and utensils. She found herself in a precarious situation when her children could no longer go to school due to Covid-19. Her children would get their meals in school because she does not earn enough. Now her young toddlers would even go some days without food bearing in mind that during the Corona period, work is hard to come by. Sometimes her children have no option but to go and eat at their neighbor’s place so as to have their stomachs appeased for a moment.
However, Food4Education came along and stepped in the situation by providing food for Jackline and her family in these dire times. Food4Education has bridged the gap for not only Jackline but hundreds of such families around Nairobi whose children used to depend on the food provided at school.
This is a timely intervention especially because for many of these families, when menial jobs are not forthcoming yet the breadwinners have to pay rent and meet other household costs. The children who are the biggest casualties can now smile due to Food4Education.
Who has been your hero during COVID-19? Share with us your story below.
