Inspiring stories: people helping communities during COVID-19

June 25, 2020

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.

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.

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Comments

Alphat | July 19, 2020 20:28

Great work Thank u.

Daugy | July 15, 2020 13:49

Good work may God bless you David

Daugy | July 14, 2020 14:11

just save live follow health department guidelines

OLONY | July 12, 2020 11:17

Well

julius | July 11, 2020 10:06

thanks for solidarity may God be with u

George | July 11, 2020 07:09

Tunasema asanteh kwa wale wamejitokeza kusaidia kupambana na makali ya virusi vya corona,pamoja tuungane sote tukomeshe corona

Florence | July 10, 2020 07:53

Let's follow the directive from the government and the health department guidelines since there's no cure for Covid-19 to curb the spread of this deadly virus. Many thanks goes to David Avido Ochieng who has shown the act of kindness and love to his community by making and giving out free masks during this season of Covid-19 . It's a lesson learnt from this young guy and very few people can offer the act of kindness to others the way he did it. I appreciate this young guy for his ❤️ of kindness to his own community and may God bless the work of his hands 👐

VERONICA | July 10, 2020 05:58

Good work... God's fever upon u

Amos | July 09, 2020 19:54

My Yehovah shower blessings to all of us😭😭😭

longole | July 09, 2020 16:30

giving is not only a reward to the beneficiaries but also a reward and blessing to the giver from God. thanks for the care.

AWOUR | July 09, 2020 15:37

Great job to those helping out ,and kindly please during this difficult times let us all be our brothers keepers

James | July 09, 2020 10:38

Good job

Fidelis | July 09, 2020 09:14

Very inspiring,may God bless you

Peninnah | July 09, 2020 08:17

May God them .

James | July 09, 2020 08:03

Good work, may God's favour be upon you.

paul | July 09, 2020 07:50

Good work,God bless you

Tonny | July 09, 2020 07:38

This is really great

Abdikul | July 09, 2020 07:32

Well said moral lessons

Abdikul | July 09, 2020 07:32

Well said

SARAH | July 09, 2020 06:17

Good work ,,let trust and believe everything is possible when we trust in God and his deeds.

Rebecca | July 09, 2020 04:53

Your comment. Good work

KIOKO | July 09, 2020 04:41

God bless their solidarity

Josphat | July 09, 2020 04:15

Very interesting lesson from David Avido Ochieng, during this window of Covid-19 pandemic very few people can offer the act of kindness to others maybe due to various reasons but I appreciate this young guy for his ❤️ of kindness to his own community I mean where he was raised and brought up, keep the fire burning and don't cease doing good, may the good Lord bless you abundantly and see through in your while doing what is righteous in His eyes and the eyes of men and may you not lack anything

Elphas | July 09, 2020 04:07

perfect

MOUREEN | July 09, 2020 02:26

I might not have a lot to offer but during covid. Wanted to help my son's teacher who are not paid with little I got . Let's help people we see around walking so weak with nothing..