By Ilaria Ventura | Project Leader
Because of COVID-19 almost all operations, community service and economic activities had to stop for about a year, as well as the work done by the nuns of the St. Anne’s Daughter Institute who distribute donations to families to help them grow small livestock farming businesses to provide for their children.
Guaranteeing milk every day is the primary goal of our local partner, but the sheep project allows mothers to obtain a small income and support the expenses for the school, essential for the growth of these children!
But Covid, as in all countries, also stopped the school: after the closure of 2020,
everything was ready and everyone was hopeful for the new school year of 2020/2021. Nuns bought fabric and with the help of the mothers of some students sewed masks, all the necessary equipment to go back to school safely was acquired, soap, sanitizers and water tanks (as planned by the project) by the end of august 2020. But because of a worsening of the pandemic, the ministry of education re-opened schools only on the first of April 2021 with the due recommendations.
Finally, 3100 students could return to their lessons even though two schools had too many and had to split them into multiple sessions which meant the teachers had to work more hours but received the same pay. It would improve the situation to increase the salary of teachers or to hire new ones to balance the work load but the schools aren’t capable to make this expenditure.
As reported by the nuns in Asmara, the pandemic has continued to spread in the all regions of Eritrea, the number of infected people rose and some died but the official data shared by the government is not reliable. Despite the many difficulties, the sisters never stopped, never lost motivation and hope, working hard to help families in need. They are grateful for all the donations received and keep in their mind and prayers all the good people who are willing to help. From June 1st till September 12th 2021, thanks to You and GlobalGiving, we have collected 476,97 USD$, which allowed the purchase of 5 sheep. The project continues to sustain the families thanks to your support!
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