Sapphire's week-long COVID-19 relief work in Vijayawada, India

Our Cause

The Covid-19 crisis has brought the Indian economy and public health system to its knees: the country is in dire need of oxygen supplies and medical equipment with shortages of the former expected to further paralyze the public efforts in fighting off the pandemic. As of June 29, 729, 743 new cases and 398,454 deaths have been reported, with true figures believed to be far higher.

Children from underprivileged backgrounds have especially been vulnerable to the crisis: according to India’s government minister for women and child development Smriti Irani around 600 children have lost both their parents to this pandemic. Another affidavit published by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights claims the number of orphaned children to be much higher, exceeding 3600. In Andhra Pradesh, one of the worst-hit states, where our group, the UK Sapphire Foundation will be delivering its relief work, 154 children were left orphaned, while around 1000 lost one of their parents as reported by the Women Development and Child Welfare Department and other sources. Some of the children are admitted to CPS (Child Protection Services) facilities, some are left in the care of their grandparents who struggle financially due to their limited income coming from pensions.

The crisis has been merciless to women as well: many lost their partners to Covid, others lost their jobs, while some had to deal with both misfortunes. With already very low labour participation rates, 17 million women have additionally lost their jobs because of lockdown restrictions as of April, 2020. According to Oxfam India report, titled "The Inequality Virus", women will be 23.5% less likely to be rehired compared to men after the restrictions are lifted, which will present a considerable financial burden, especially to widowed parents.

How we will be helping

In September, my colleague Rhyanna and I will be travelling to Vijayawada, in the southeast of the state, to aid the affected communities. During our week-long relief work, we will be visiting schools and orphanages to run educational workshops, travelling to the slums, helping the homeless, providing food and medical supplies (sanitisers and masks) for those severely affected by the crisis. We will also be visiting widows who lost their partners to COVID-19 to listen to their concerns and provide practical assistance. 73% of the raised funds will go directly to aiding our cause, while the rest will cover our transportation and living costs during the visit.

Our Mission

At Sapphire, we dedicate our time and resources to helping underprivileged communities. We believe in leaving our mark on the people's hearts by helping them find their true calling in life. We aspire to make a positive lasting impact in people's lives by equipping them with skills and knowledge, essential for succeeding in the modern world.

The Sapphire Foundation Story

We are a charity, registered by the charity commission of England and Wales under No1193377, and by the Nigerian commission under No144561. Sapphire, is a group of enthusiastic and passionate individuals, who have over 5 years of experience working with underprivileged communities in Islington, Hackney, Camden, Southwark, Lewisham, Greenwich and Lambeth. Till now, our work has helped over 4000 young people and families especially those from minority and disadvantaged backgrounds. We also have experience in delivering international relief work, acquired during our visits to Kenya and Nigeria. For a more detailed description of the work we do and of our experience in the charity sector, please, visit our website (https://sapphirecommunitygroup.org/).

OUR OBJECTIVES:

1. Preventing mental health problems

2. Helping the homeless

3. Reducing crime rates via education

4. Boosting employment rates among underprivileged youth

5. Increasing number of young people in education and vocational training

6. Equipping young people with employable knowledge and skills

The ways you can assist our campaign

1. Donate (no amount is too little)

2. Share our campaign on your social media platforms

3. Volunteer at Sapphire

The Sapphire Foundation Website