The coronavirus pandemic and the necessary measures to contain the virus, multiply pressure on already vulnerable families, placing children at even greater risk by increasing the likelihood of child abuse and violence, and add a greater burden to families dependent on daily wages who can now longer put food on the table. In addition, children risk losing their primary caregivers, which, in many cases, is their grandparents.

We support families at risk of collapsing by working with communities to provide social support and essential services, support livelihoods and income generation, as well as to continue monitoring and providing alternative care arrangements where appropriate and in the best interests of the child.

The general feeling of insecurity and instability due to changing daily routines due to COVID-19 response measures, affects children, causes increased anxiety and distress - especially children who have already experienced neglect, abandonment, abuse and exploitation. In countries heavily affected by the virus, children may have already witnessed deaths in their families. 

We provide pychosocial support, helplines, virtual counselling and alternative care where necessary for children and families at risk. In addition, we work with and strengthen local child protection commitees to raise awareness and direct support to those in need.

Schooling is crucial for vulnerable children and young people to grow strong and become self-reliant. However, in this crisis, access to education is an enormous challenge with homeschooling using virtual tools being the only solution. Often, the vulnerable children we focus on have limited or no access to the necessary virtual tools and technology infrastructure to continue learning.

We provide digital mentoring and education, as well as safe spaces for day-care, schooling and mentorship to support continued learning and youth employment during the COVID-19 crisis.