Community Spotlight Covid19 Response

The JCI and Red Cross’s joint efforts to support onground communities has been inspiring to say the least. They are one of the few organizations we have connected with who are reaching pan Goa. 

We understand that the Indian Red Cross Society and JCI Mapusa have come together to support vulnerable people throughout this quarantine period. Can you explain a bit more about how you guys mobilized to offer your support, and which communities you are currently working with?

Red Cross is an organisation formed to assist communities in times of distress. And JCI Mapusa has been serving humanity since the last 49 years. We initially formed a whatsapp group to provide authentic information, and later realised that our services would be needed on the ground.

What does the Indian Red Cross Society and JCI normally do, and where are you based in Goa?

Both are social organizations. Red Cross is an International Humanitarian Organization. JCI is an international youth organization that empowers young people to create positive change.

What have you been doing to support marginalized communities during this lockdown period?

We have been providing Essentials like Rice, Dal, Medicine, Toiletries & other necessities.

What are some of the difficulties you have faced while trying to do this work?

Initially getting Supplies was difficult.

What has been the most rewarding part of this experience?

The smiles you see on people face when you’ve helped them.

What do you need support with? / How can people help you continue this work?

By providing information of genuinely needy communities.

What is one lesson you would take away from all this, or thing you would do differently if you were to start over now?

The lesson would be that we needed to identify people in need better. So that we reach out to the needy and not to the greedy.

How many volunteers are you working with to do this work and how did you go about recruiting them to help you in this cause?

More than 120 Volunteers are working pan Goa with us through the Red Cross and JCI network.

How many migrants/day laborers have you fed/supported thus far?

More than 3000 Senior Citizens, Goan Poor, Labourers & Migrants.

Anyone you would like to give a shout out to or thanks in particular for helping your organization?

Mr. Subhash Kauthankar, Dr. Digambar Naik, Mr. Gaurish Dhond, Mr. Subhash Salkar, Mr. Kishor Sasolkar, Mr. Ashish Shirodkar, Mr. Yogesh Kerekar, Mr. Ashley Delayney, Mr.Ajay Menon, Mr. Sachin Mense, Mrs. Preeti Kerkar & Mr. Ramakant Samant.

What is your plan moving forward? Do you see the type of support needed changing?

As the Lockdown in Goa is about to be fully lifted, we look forward to playing a role in ensuring social distancing and creating local help and support centres. Psychological Counseling is also needed which we have already started and will take forward in the days to come.

What advice would you guys give to other people wanting to support vulnerable groups on the ground currently?

Ensure that you reach out to the right people at the right time.