Outputs & Results (Success Stories)

Shortly after the new board was elected in early February 2020, news of the disease spreading around the world grew. From early March the board took several steps in line with the course of the pandemic, such as reducing the size of gatherings and of children’s groups. Then came the announcement of a full lockdown for individuals and institutions. The Association tried to soften the expected impact by working day and night to distribute in-kind and cash aid — distribution went on until dawn on the first day of the lockdown.

Children’s programs never stopped during the full lockdown. Volunteers and staff gave the programs special attention, having seen how badly the closure was affecting the health and wellbeing of children and families. Programs ranged across knowledge, health awareness and entertainment, along with group competitions to rebuild the spirit of cooperation and teamwork that had suffered so much. The Association also tried to balance the government’s restrictions with families’ worsening living conditions by facilitating support and coordinating its delivery. When cases were found inside the camp, it was declared an isolated zone and much of it was quarantined; the Association provided in-kind and financial support to families in isolation, as well as logistics and volunteers, who faced great difficulty reaching the camp.

Once the pandemic and the camp’s isolation had lifted, the Association kept providing aid within the government’s rules, and sped up the revolving loan project to protect and/or raise the living standards of the families it serves. When the blessed month of Ramadan came, the Association offered as much support and aid as it could, despite the rules and movement restrictions that limited access to both donors and recipients and greatly reduced its effectiveness.

The Association continues to deliver its programs and aid, with the safety of its beneficiaries and members always in view.