Dry Ration kit Distribution
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on individuals and communities worldwide. Among the most affected groups are young women who were widowed due to the pandemic. The sudden loss of a spouse, often the primary breadwinner, has left many of these women facing emotional, social and economic challenges. Following the unfortunate loss of their spouses due to Covid, these young women, who were previously responsible for household tasks, now find themselves grappling with significant financial burdens. They must now navigate the challenges of sustaining their livelihoods, securing their children’s education, and covering various expenses.
During the COVID pandemic, the STdH Foundation, in collaboration with its implementing partner Vidyanikethan, extended assistance to impoverished and vulnerable young widows in Hosur block of Krishnagiri District in Tamil Nadu. This support included counseling, training in various skills, livelihood assistance, and the provision of essential food supplies. Through these efforts, the STdH foundation aimed to alleviate their burdens and inspire them to regain control of their lives.
How are we addressed it?
To continue the efforts, the STdH Foundation in collaboration with Vidyanikethan, decided to support 25 underprivileged single mothers in Hosur by providing them with dry ration kits. These kits contained enough food supplies to sustain the families for a month, easing their immediate financial burden.
Selection of beneficiaries
The beneficiaries were selected based on the following criteria;
- Single mother who lost their spouses to Covid-19
- economically disadvantaged backgrounds
- verified by the SHG leaders and through the network of Vidyanikethan.
Details of the distribution
- Date of distribution – 03-08-2024
- Location – Vidyanikethan Office, Mathagondapalli, Hosur
- No of beneficiaries – 25 single mother
Distribution Process
The distribution took place at the Vidyanikethan office in Mathagondapalli, Hosur, with the presence of Dr.Nagaraju, Project Director of Vidyanikethan, and Ms. Anne Priya, Programme Manager of STdH Foundation. The identified women gathered and interacted with the project team, expressing their gratitude for the support. They mentioned that the savings from the provided assistance would be used for their children’s education and requested further help in accessing various government schemes available to those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The women also acknowledged the support they received from the STdH Foundation and Vidyanikethan during their time of loss.
Both the Project Director and Programme Manager emphasised the importance of educating their children and discouraged child labour or early marriages. They stressed that providing education is the greatest asset for their children’s future. The women assured the team that they would prioritise their children’s education.
After distributing the kits, the meeting concluded with a vote of thanks from the Vidyanikethan project team, who expressed their appreciation for STdH Foundation’s support of vulnerable families in their project areas.
The distribution of dry ration kits to 25 single mothers who were widowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic was a highly successful initiative.
It offered critical relief to families in urgent need and underscored the importance of continuing support for these vulnerable households.
Moreover, the positive reception and gratitude expressed by the beneficiaries emphasise the impact such initiatives can have on the stability in their lives. This effort has not only provided tangible support but also demonstrated to these women that they are not alone in their struggles. As we move forward, it is essential to recognise that the effects of the pandemic will be felt for years to come, and ongoing assistance, both immediate and long-term, is necessary to truly uplift and empower these vulnerable families.
