Prochesta Foundation extends support to underprivileged communities amid coronavirus crisis
The youth-led organisation, Prochesta Foundation, is distributing food and necessary goods to underprivileged communities, as the nation copes with the coronavirus pandemic. Recently, they provided aid to 1,000 low-income families in Tejgaon, Nakhalpara, Hatirjheel, Ashkona, Munshiganj Bedarpalli, Hazaribagh, Mirpur and three orphanages. Their packages are comprised of around 8,000 kg of rice, 3,500 kg pulses, 7,000 kg potatoes, 1000 liters of oil, 500 kg of salt, 2.000 bars of soap, 500 kg of onions, 3,500 eggs and other necessary items, which the families can utilise for around eight to twelve days. In addition, they have conducted cleanliness and awareness campaigns for 350 children. They are also carrying out awareness campaigns through phone calls.
"The extent of the current shutdown is uncertain. Subsequently, the low-income families are likely to face food shortages. Several organisations are stepping up and trying to provide relief, but we need everyone to contribute in whatever way they can. Combatting hunger is necessary right now," said Ikram Uddin Abir, Founder, Prochesta Foundation. The foundation started their operations from February 2013 and have benefitted 6,000 people so far with their social welfare projects.
They will also be distributing goods to 1000 families in the Daulatia brothel, Satalpalli, Rajshahi, Kushtia and Khagrachari. On the month of Ramadan, the foundation intends to arrange iftaar and sehri, free of cost, in four zones in Dhaka. They will be reaching out to 1,000 families in each zone. Their project aims to benefit close to 25,000 people throughout the month.
They begin their projects by surveying different areas to identify the vulnerable families. These families are then provided with a token. During the distribution, they gather everyone in a large space and distribute goods by maintaining a minimum distance of three feet, between two people. They have also provided masks, gloves, caps and PPE for the safety of their 30 volunteers working on this project. The team collects finance for their projects through Facebook and other social media platforms. They are currently raising money on Facebook through the online event, Corona O Beche Thakar Judhdho.