Current Status of COVID-19 in Nepal:

As of March 30: Total Number of Test: 993
Negative: 988 Positive: 5, Recovered:1 Isolation: 4, Death: 0
Source: https://heoc.mohp.gov.np/  

National curfew in place (enforced strictly):

On March 23, the government placed the entire country in a complete lockdown for a week beginning March 24 and lasting until March 31, but has since extended it for at least one more week. We are hoping that this will be effective in preventing a major outbreak, and we are happy that the government has acted decisively and has enforced the measures.

Local government is also stepping up:

Dakshinkali Municipality, where most of our work is based, is mobilizing to provide immediate relief, such as food for people like daily laborers who have no means of earning money during this crisis. The relief package would include items like:

Rice: 15 kg, Lentils: 1 kg, Salt: 1 kg, Oil: 1 Lit, Vegetables: 3 kg, Sugar: 1 kg. Tea: 200 gm.
Per the current market prices, this support costs approximately NRs 1500.00 (US$ 15.00) per family

We know that some of the girls we support are from families who fall into this category. We are very glad to see the local community doing this, and we plan to be a part of the effort.

How we plan to support these efforts:

Over the last week or so, the leadership team in Nepal have been meeting (by phone) with local elected officials of the various wards where we have partner schools. We have agreed to provide support for families that need immediate help. We are currently working on a budget to define what we can support in the various wards where we have partner schools. We know that this support will not only help the girls and their families, but also help to build a stronger working relationship with our local community. 

We are appreciative of the local wards for wanting to work with us because in the current situation only the local government body can reach the individual household and provide immediate relief. By current government rule, they are the only ones who can even be out and about. The local governments have developed committees at different levels (Ward and Municipal) and they have the responsibility and the ability to execute on this relief effort. We will provide what support what we can to their efforts. 

Virtual Empowerment:

Lastly, to end this update on a cheerful note, we wanted to share about an initiative we are working on. In this time when our staff and mentors are physically distant from our Bahinis (younger sisters), we are trying to devise new ways to stay in touch. We are piloting the idea of Virtual Empowerment to see if we can keep the girls engaged in empowerment activities. We know that there are many technical and financial barriers that make it very difficult (if not impossible) for some of the girls, but we are trying to brainstorm ideas. 

Please check out the creative results of the most recent effort to engage with the girls. (Flickr)

We thank you for your continued support and words of encouragement during this difficult time. We know it is a difficult time for people everywhere, so we are even more grateful for the support now. Let us also think of people who may not have homes, may not have the ability to earn a living and are living in precarious conditions during this scary time. We will continue to do what we can in our communities in Nepal, and we hope that you and your families and communities, wherever you may be, are healthy and safe.