In Africa, Aide et Action’s intervention countries are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, to varying degrees. Faced with this health crisis, non-governmental organizations have committed themselves alongside the political and health authorities. Aide et Action plays its role by focusing its intervention on three aspects: educational continuity, information and awareness for the populations and prevention material.
Faced with the COVID 19 pandemic, all African states have emphasized prevention measures, due to the lack of curative treatment and a vaccine. The closure of schools was among the first measures taken by governments to prevent schools from turning into contagion centers. Following this decision, it was necessary to explore the different alternatives to save the school year. Distance education, radio school, media education, among other options are adopted here and there to ensure educational continuity and avoid dropping out of school. In Benin, Togo, Ivory Coast and Senegal, Aide et Action put its expertise at the service of the ministries in charge of education with the other partners to define strategies, approaches, media, content and distance education calendars, a novelty for primary school teachers and pupils. Furthermore, in Benin, within the framework of the Support project for governance of relay initiatives for quality education (AGIR), Aide et Action signed an agreement with three community radios and school radio for the dissemination of content for exam classes. 80 schools are beneficiaries of this program allowing 960 pupils in the examination class to follow lessons on the radio.
Inform and educate the educational community
In addition, Aide et Action, with the agreement of its partners, redirected certain activities to focus on raising awareness among populations. In Benin, radio broadcasts for populations were organized to raise awareness. Posters on preventive measures have also been produced and distributed. In Madagascar, community awareness sessions were also organized in Malagasy (the national language) and others were organized directly in 60 schools. Aide et Action in Togo is carrying out information and prevention activities in 11 rural villages.
Provide protection kits
Despite the awareness, certain populations do not have sufficient means to comply with the barrier measures. Aide et Action also operates in several countries in this area. In Benin, handwashes and reusable masks were provided by our organization. They are primarily intended for students as part of the resumption of classes.
In Guinea, Aide et Action received from its partner the Orange Foundation 80 sanitary kits consisting of 160 buckets, 80 supports, 720 soaps and 120 cans of bleach. These kits will be given to health centers and posts in Dabiss, Walya, Kenende Lory and Kataly. Also in Guinea, in partnership with Solidarité Laïque Internationale, our teams distributed hygiene kits for the Kobayah district which will house the Laboratory of Social Innovations (LABIS). In Togo, protection kits made up of hydro-alcoholic gel, handwashes and soap are made available to 11 communities in the north of the country. In Niger, the gateway centers of the PassEduc project are equipped with handwash kits, masks and awareness stickers. Finally in Burkina Faso, as part of the project with our partner the L’Occitane Foundation, protection kits should be distributed to women’s federations.
With the reopening of schools and the gradual resumption of educational activities, compliance with barrier measures is imperative to avoid a resurgence of the pandemic. Aide et Action, like the other education partners, will strengthen its support in terms of awareness and protective equipment.
