Undoing the Unthinkable Impact of COVID-19

What has COVID-19 Done?

The global COVID pandemic has brought tremendous stress to numerous communities around the world. A lack of food, essential supplies, and an inability to feed hungry children are just a few ways the coronavirus has negatively impacted many families. Throughout the past year and presently, Fountain of Hope Ministries International has been on the frontline in an effort to lessen the shock and help struggling African families. By providing communities with much needed guidance, education, and support we continue to tackle the unprecedented challenges in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. A year later, there are still limited resources. Due to this startling fact, we are working to mobilize additional emergency response supplies for our Pastors and Deacons to further develop community efforts and support initiatives.

Hardships the Communities are Facing

Facing extraordinary food shortages caused by layoffs and closed businesses, communities are challenged daily with a lack of resources, and shortages of essential goods. Because of this, these struggling communities rely on the assistance of generous donations. Many of the people in these communities live hand-to-mouth and yet are unable to work. Many have lost their jobs or simply do not have a business in which to return. Due to job cuts, sickness, and other conflicts, the members of these communities do not have adequate income to meet the financial obligations of their families. This leads to more sickness and possibly starvation. The local pastors feel tremendous pressure towards protecting their communities and are naturally distracted because of the current crisis.

While the pandemic continues to spread, education has also been hit hard. The education sector in Uganda is among the deepest impacted, particularly the private school sector. Teaching at Fountain of Hope Schools had to be suspended after the government ordered all schools to close but we are hoping to restart later this year. As you may know, Fountain of Hope Schools fully depend on the local school fees and sponsorship to generate revenue to meet teachers’ salaries and other operational costs. Therefore, teachers have been affected very much with the continued extension of the lockdown period. While our children are gratefully saved from the direct health effects of the pandemic, to date the crisis is having a profound effect on their welfare. Children are being affected, in particular by the mitigation measures that may accidentally do more harm than good as they face starvation.

Help From Grace Giving International

It is essential that these traumatized communities in Uganda receive the help they need. For many families, they have no other option but to stay home and remain safe. Churches, schools, workplaces, and stores are closed. In addition to fears of infection, many families are uncertain about when the next meal will arrive when they run out of the little they are surviving on. We strongly believe that we are change agents and are called upon to help in situations of trauma and tragedy. It is our duty to comfort and offer outreach in the midst of the pandemic.  If you can, please donate. Anything helps during this tumultuous time.