The children, families — and partners and staff around the world who help them reach their goals — continue to be our priority as we navigate this ever-evolving global situation
An update about the health of the children and families our supporters
Our country director reveals positive change across genders and classes in one
Children Believe remains committed to continuing to help children access education as
Hear what it was like for Luis to deliver food and hygiene
Hear one father’s story of how a radio program gave him resources
Tips we share with vulnerable caregivers in our programs during this time
Filling cupboards for families in need during the outbreak By Rosanna Menchaca,
Although support is still needed, our country director is encouraged by how
Find out how students are making sure messages about how to prevent
Learn how our program teams are working to help the most vulnerable
Find out how parents, children and youth are coping with the changes
Find out how women are making a difference inside and outside our
Find out how Children Believe is helping to educate on preventing the
Donors, community leaders, partners and Children Believe staff are building resilience amidst
When she’s not tending her garden, Juana keeps an eye on the
Our country director in India shares how counsellors are providing much-needed support
Learn more about how our work in Nicaragua and Central America is
A new Children Believe survey reveals most people are willing to support
Our country director in Ethiopia shares how Children Believe is supporting the
FOR INFORMATION: Dave Stell, communications manager, Children Believe dstell@childrenbelieve.ca; 416.898.6770 AT A GLANCE…
Children Believe is committed to helping children overcome challenges to education during
See how young people in Ghana are responding to the messages to
The legacy of Dr. Paul Roberts, a member of our Board for
As International Development Week winds down, Children Believe reflects back on learnings
New research puts uncomfortable spotlight on global commitments to end violence against
An online panel discussion highlights need to work as a global community
Our CEO shares the needs in a country where there are thousands
A member of our program team in India shares how caring supporters
Our CEO, Fred, takes a pulse of the evolving environment as many
Find out how young women, like Francis, are building brighter futures By
Get an update on how our communities in India are receiving help
Jorge, our country director in Paraguay, shares learnings on how we can
Carolina shares her dream to become a doctor and help her community
Find out how Children Believe together with members of the ChildFund Alliance
COVID-19 is a new illness caused by the coronavirus that can affect the lungs and airways. Human coronaviruses are typically associated with mild illnesses, similar to the common cold. While some people suffering from COVID-19 have mild symptoms and can recover, in others, it is fatal.
COVID-19 has not been previously identified in humans. Rarely, animal coronaviruses, the source of COVID-19, can infect people, and more rarely, these can spread from person to person through close contact. This is the case with COVID-19, which is spread in cough droplets. The consensus among researchers studying the spread of the virus pinpoints COVID-19’s likely origin to a “wet market,” or live animal market, in Wuhan, China.
The World Health Organization says there’s currently no evidence that household pets can contract or spread coronavirus (COVID-19). A dog in Hong Kong tested “weakly” positive for the virus in February, but experts believe it was due to superficial contamination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends restricting contact with pet dogs, cats, or other animals if you get sick with COVID-19 until there is more information known.
While COVID-19 has affected the whole world, the poorest communities and countries will be particularly impacted, as the resources to fight the virus will be less readily available. Despite these challenges, Children Believe is responding to the crisis, bringing hope and help together with our partners to those least able to manage this pandemic. And, although the virus has reached countries where we work, we’re thankful there have been no reports of children, or their families in our sponsored communities, diagnosed with COVID-19.
Our Canadian team has been working from home since the week of March 16, along with staff from our country offices. Our partners continue to monitor the situation and work from home where possible.
We are continuing to assess the best way to respond to COVID-19 in the communities where we work. The good news is, it’s always been part of our strategy to offer workshops and training sessions to children and families on the importance of sanitation and hygiene in stopping the spread of disease. Where possible, we are continuing to distribute hygiene kits, equipped with soap and educational materials. In some communities we are distributing gel alcohol, masks and gloves, as many developing countries don’t have a ready supply of personal protective equipment. We are sharing information about child protection, tips about what families can do with children during quarantine, and providing information about COVID-19 and how to prevent the disease. Where the need is urgent, we are delivering nutritional supplements to families of children under age five and pregnant women, and providing financial loans.