Get to Know Our Partner: Community Relief & Development Action
Earlier this month we had the chance to hold a virtual interview with Etuge Sumbede Elvis, the Executive Director at Community Relief and Development Action (COREDA). Check out his interview to learn more about CORDEA, how the coronavirus has impacted their lives and organization, and the current needs they have.
1. Is there anything that you wish more people knew about your organization or the issues you are trying to solve?
Yes! We would like people to know that our organization is busy constructing a school that will provide permanent accommodation for the holistic and inclusive primary education of at least 300 children in Tiko Slums each year.
It is now apparent that education can’t stop permanently because of COVID-19 as the future of many children will be in serious jeopardy. Many governments worldwide are making concessions to strike a balance and our government, in particular, has prescribed adaptive measures for formal education to continue in the midst of COVID-19 as of October 5, 2020. These measures, among others, limit class size to 24 children. We are therefore compelled to provide additional school desks, install handwashing points, hand sanitizers, and ensure the compulsory wearing of marks should the situation persist by October.
2. Can you give us an example of the way you’ve seen your organization’s work make a difference?
Our organization is making a difference in the lives of orphans and vulnerable or internally displaced children in Tiko Slums by providing a holistic and inclusive approach to education and child development.
3. What do you hope to accomplish in response to COVID-19 long-term?
COVID-19 is a challenge that needs the involvement of all. We hope to achieve consciousness, a change of attitude, and a responsible lifestyle among citizens. We also hope to provide relief to those badly affected by the COVID-19.
4. What would make the greatest difference in helping your organization get better at what it does?
- Food aid will enable us to fight hunger and malnutrition among vulnerable and internally displaced children we are serving;
- Furnishing the school under construction with desks, tables, and didactic materials will create an enabling learning environment;
- Borehole to provide safe drinkable water and handwashing points for regular hand washing will ensure effective hygiene and sanitation in school and limit the spread of COVID-19.
5. What are your most urgent needs to support communities impacted by coronavirus?
The coronavirus has devastated our communities. Our current most urgent needs are food aid and essential COVID-19 kits (hand sanitizers and face masks).
6. How do you think coronavirus will shape COREDA and your programs?
COREDA, and so many people in our communities, have been greatly impacted by the coronavirus. The virus has compelled us to now integrate barrier measures in all of our programs and activities. Something that we may need to implement for the foreseeable future.
Inspired?
We’re eager to help COREDA reach their goals, overcome the challenges brought on by COVID-19, and expand their reach to help even more children in Cameroon. Learn more about their current projects and their mission by visiting their partner page.