An impact assessment of the implications of COVID‐19 on the economy and society of India on the basis of available literature is made on all the three sectors—primary, secondary and service sector along with the impact on migrants, health, poverty, job losses, informal sector, environment, and so forth.
All sectors of the economy have been disproportionately affected and even within a sector, there is a disproportionate loss. The societal impacts are dire too with job losses, mental illness, increased domestic violence, and so forth. – An assessment of socioeconomic impact of COVID‐19 pandemic in India (Reference: National Library of Medicine, May 2021)
Community Initiatives
Daily life can be a huge challenge for people, affected by earthquakes, floods, accidents, poverty and/or and health crises leading to various physical and mental health issues. These circumstances can wreak havoc on the normal everyday living of human beings. Studies show how our environment, random events, stress, health care, social, cultural, psychological and family relationship factors contribute to the causes and consequences of disease and illness overcoming crisis situations.
When a family is struck by health issues especially affecting the sole income provider, the family can go into a downward spiral of health and poverty. The increasing costs of medical care, education and cost of living further throw a family that was barely making ends meet into further uncertainty and turmoil. The COVID- 19 pandemic has left a wave of economic and personal destruction in its path.
How Adhyan Supports
At Adhyan we aim to help minimize the long-term and short-term effects of such crises on people. We do this by distributing supplies to people affected by disasters; building homes for people affected by natural disasters; funding tuition for disadvantaged children; helping with medical emergencies and medical care; and, providing financial support to help overcome crisis situations.
Sony's Story
Sony, 12 years old, was abandoned for being HIV+ by her family. She lives in a Child Care Institute (CCI) since a very young age. The caregivers observed that Sony did not have a normal gait.
PACT India visited the CCI to screen the children for special needs. Sony was found to have excessive weakness of the legs and feet, caused by Global Developmental Delay (GDD) that the caregivers were not trained to catch or manage.
Thirteen other children were also identified with special needs.
Sony's Story
Sony (name changed), 12 years old, was abandoned for being HIV+ by her family. She lives in a Child Care Institute (CCI) since a very young age and is fondly cared for by caregivers.
The caregivers observed that Sony did not have a normal gait. Not knowing what could be done, they did their best and got her special footwear.
However, Sony’s physical activities were impacted and got worse as she grew older.
PACT India visited the CCI to screen the children for special needs. Sony was found to have excessive weakness of the legs and feet, caused by Global Developmental Delay (GDD) that the caregivers were not trained to catch or manage.
Thirteen other children were also identified with special needs.
PACT worked with the caregivers using its structured 3-module Capacity Building Training, which helps caregivers gain the skills to rehabilitate the children along with their own self-care.
Sony is a determined child. And she craved independence. Supported by the caregivers every day, following the rehabilitation plan, her muscles gained strength and her balance became better.
Regular follow-ups with PACT kept the caregivers and Sony motivated and confident. In just 2 months, Sony showed significant improvement.
Her caregiver Tulasi shares, “This is one of my great achievements, making this child independent. I am now confident in dealing with the special needs of children. With Sony becoming self-reliant in her self-care activities, the physical strain of caring for her is much less. That is a relief. All I need to do is supervise.”
Sony’s physical dependence is down to a simple foot splint and toe straps. She is nearly completely independent and can even exercise without assistance. She attends school happily and is a star dancer in most of the CCI’s events.
As an NGO that started in early 2021, we are thankful to have sustained through COVID and for continuing to stay strong in serving vulnerable children with special needs in CCIs.
We are grateful to Adhyan who recognised the potential of our Capacity Building Training for Caregivers and the program to Build Subject Matter Experts for the disability sector.
Their support, since 2022, has made Sony and her caregiver’s transformation possible. The caregivers are the catalyst for change, and their training and care are critical for the children’s welfare. Thank you, Adhyan, for understanding this need.
Adhyan’s support has been tremendous in varied ways. Their NGO screening methods, fund disbursement processes, and reporting structure make it easy for us to work more in the field. We are overjoyed that the Adhyan team visits our field at regular intervals to understand our work. We value their passion and commitment.