By Azeem Christopher | Program Leader
1: Situation due to the Pandemic:
Nearly 250,000 cases have been reported in all parts of Pakistan with 7000 deaths reported so far and the numbers are increasing. The lockdown due to the pandemic left millions of daily wage laborers, bonded laborers, farmers’ etc. unemployed and with every passing hour, the misery increases. According to an estimate nearly 2.5-3.0 million families have been economically affected by the COVID-19 crises. Reaching out to these affected people for food is still the biggest challenge.
2: Distribution of Food Items and Cash Grants among 1700 Needy Families
After the assessment of the areas , AWARD Emergency team selected 25 rural/semi urban areas of District Faisalabad ,Toba Tek Singh and Muzaffargarh situated in Punjab province to distribute food packages (Cooking oil, flour, rice, pulses, chickpeas, rice, tea, sugar, spices, salt etc) sufficient for 15 days among the marginalized and needy families who are under severe economic crises and stress. The food packages were sent to the respective areas through private transportation .The packages after reaching the respective areas were sent to the distribution points. A small distribution ceremony was organized in the 25 areas. 1550 families which were selected by the need assessment from the 25 rural areas received the food packages . AWARD Pakistan also distributed cash grant of PKR 10,000 to 150 families to support them during the time of pandemic.
AWARD’s Executive Director, Ms. Christina and other local religious and social leaders also attended the distribution ceremonies. The District Coordination Office was informed about the distribution but due to other important appointments the representatives were unable to join. The team after completing the distribution in one area, travelled to the other areas. In every area, the team was warmly welcomed by the people. They thanked AWARD and the donors for the efforts they made, to reach the needy. The families were very happy after getting the food packages. They thanked the Executive Director, Ms. Christina Peter and the team for the support.
The name of the target areas are as follows:
1) Quaidabad , Chak Jhumra, Faisalabad
2) Paharang , Chak Jhumra, Mehbood Town, Faisalabad
3) Mehboob Town, Chak Jhumra, Faisalabad
4) Dijkot, Samundri Town, Faisalabad
5) Chak 249 Chawinda GB, Faisalabad
6) Chak 181, GB, Toba Tek Singh
7) Chak 350 JB, Toba Tek Singh
8) Chak 245 RB, Jalalabad, Faisalabad
9) Chak 206 Samundri
11) Chak 210 Samundri
12) Chak 179 Samundri
13) Itefaq Colony Dijkot
14) Warispura , Faisalabad
15) Barketpura , Faisalabad
16) Daud Nagar Faisalabad
17) Ibn-e Mariam Colony Faisalabad
18) JInnah Abadi Faisalabad
19) Chanchal SIngh Wala Faisalabad
20)Bilal Town Faislabad
21) Chak Panwan Gojra
22) Talwandi, Faisalabad
23) Kachi wala Muzaffargarh
24) Basti Halla , Kot Addu , Muzaffargarh
25) Basti Tullana , Kot Addu , Muzaffargarh
Beneficiaries:
Contribution of beneficiaries was admirable in all the process. They organized all the things in well manner. The role of Key Committees in the selection of the beneficiaries was appreciable.
Challenges:
Due to non availability of transportation, it was difficult to carry huge amount of food items in the areas. The one who agreed demanded a high fare for the transport.
As the need is great and many of the families are still struggling, therefore, AWARD Requests its parnters and supporters to kindly donate in this critcal time as many of the families have lost their jobs and livelihood during the pandemic.
Nazeeran (picture uploaded) is a mother of 3 children and has been diagnosed with cancer from the last few months. The amount of PKR 10,000 has helped her to get prescribed medicine during the time of pandemic.
“ I am very thankful to AWARD for this timely help. Due to the lockdown , there wasn’t any source ,which could help us in getting proper treatment. This amount will help me get back on my feet hopefully. I want to be fit and well again and I hope God will listen to my prayers.”
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