Samvedna

Covid-19 First Wave

1. Lack of reliable information on and awareness about the pandemic

Village-level WhatsApp groups to share government-verified information, daily corona updates in village common-places, and wall paintings in the village.

2. Prevailing sense of disconnect about international events and daily life in the village

A series of 8 different competitions conducted for children centred on understanding and analysing the effects of Covid-19 on the village life. Information thus reached families through children.

3. Children losing touch with their education

Resumption of village-education aid classes in small batches with all precautions such as masks and physical distance, in 'Green Zones'.

4. Shortage of food grains in the villages

Distributed nutrition kits, initiated kitchen garden cultivation in villages, and bridged the distance between government departments and families who did not have ration cards.

5. Lack of connectivity between banks and remote Bedia villages

Facilitated money withdrawal with the help of bank kiosks in the village itself.

Covid-19 Second Wave

1. Lack of reliable information about symptoms and management of COVID-19 symptoms,and vaccines.

Reviving Village WhatsApp groups to share information from verified government sources about the monitoring and management of symptoms, and the safety and efficacy of vaccines.

2. Shortage of food grains in the villages.

Distributed Grocery Kits, consisting of 3 types of dal, wheat flour, chickpea flour, oil, sugar, tea leaves, and spices, to 600 Bedia families.

3. People's fear of testing even in the presence of Covid-19 symptoms.

Dissipation of fear by providing correct information, and connecting people with symptoms to health facilities or help them arrange home quarantine set-up.

4. Lack of access to basic medical instruments.

Distribution of thermal scanners and oximeters in villages. Virtual training of staff members on how to use the instruments to record the readings of persons showing symptoms.