Maurice SkinnerThe COVID-19 pandemic has grappled the world and has sent global economies spiraling downward. Due to this, a majority of families around the world are feeling the burden, especially for children who may not come from homes with a safe or stable environment. COVID-19 has now restricted programs for children that may be considered vital, especially in times of a pandemic.
Here are four ways children are receiving invaluable support during one of the biggest crises humanity has faced.
Kids Door Fund collaborates with actcoin to address food and education
Kids Door Fund is an NGO that emphasizes the utmost importance of bringing a better life to all children residing in Japan. With approximately one in seven children living in poverty, the NPO provides a donation fund that helps supply education and food to children in order to pave a brighter future for Japan.
Now the Kids Door Fund has announced its collaboration with actcoin, a company using blockchain to visualize social contributions, to support Japanese children affected by COVID-19. This collaboration aims to urge individuals to refrain from leaving the house so as to fight the spread of the virus. The COVID-19 STAY HOME app encourages its users to contribute to the fight against the virus by encouraging its user to stay at home. By doing this, users can log in whether they intend to stay at home.
Moreover, doing so will be an automatic donation to the Kids Door Fund. These donations are a contribution to children in need and will help parents who are feeling the burden of the virus. Furthermore, this app also helps its user learn as to why staying at home is a brilliant thing to do in these turbulent times.
Chance for Children develops online support for children
Chance for Children is next on our list as one of the organizations in Japan committing to providing better lives for Japan’s children living in poverty.
Outside of a pandemic, this organization has an abundant amount of activities in order to support children living in Japan. These activities focus on the educational aspect for Japanese elementary, junior high, high school and University students. Activities include but are not limited to sports, culture, camping, hiking and music. Unfortunately, due to the current outbreak that has led to a sharp increase in the number of infected individuals, these activities have come to a halt.
Now, Chance for Children is attempting to alter its activities so that it is possible to offer support for children in need. One example is its Brother and Sister program, which grants university volunteers a chance to learn from professionals in different fields about providing the best support for children. This program is now being moved to an online platform in order to still provide university students a chance to prepare to help and support children in the future.
Workout at home with government videos
Thanks to the COVID-19, more children have been staying home and have possibly grown bored due to their now everyday surroundings of walls and enclosed spaces.
One reliable way the Japanese government has tried to curb boredom and stimulate physical activity is by promoting online indoor sports and exercise ideas. Through the Sports Tokyo Information website, viewers may find a collection of videos, information and examples on how to stay physically active at home.
What’s great about this site is that it of course is not only for children, but for people of all ages. This could provide an at-home foundation for those of us who must change our daily routine due to emergency measures taken all over the world. Furthermore, it is important for children to engage in some form of physical activity, which Japanese schools have always highly encouraged.
Steadying incomes of families during the pandemic
Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has also stepped up efforts to provide families more time with their children during these troubling times. The department has established a new subsidy that allows parents paid leave from work when issues are related to COVID-19.
The virus has caused school closures throughout Japan, and this is forcing many family members to be home in order to take care of their children. For many families, this may cause a decrease in salary since many parents might have to take unpaid time off of work for their children, which is a benefit to everyone. Citizens in Japan are able to apply for this program until June, 30th.
Florence’s Coronavirus Child Emergency Support Project
Florence is a non-profit organization that has gone above and beyond to provide various types of support for children throughout Japan. The organization is well known for its endeavors to provide options for children, single parents, and expecting mothers throughout Japan.
Florence is now undertaking its project, The Coronavirus Child Emergency Support Project, to provide support for households of children with disabilities, single parents and economically hit families. This includes providing home food deliveries for families, providing proper safety equipment for children that need them, and care to sick children.
Furthermore, Florence is also creating a consultation service to single-parents in the near future. Florence’s main motive is to help families who are in need prevent being isolated from the rest of the country, as well as the world. It continues to provide essential support for children and families throughout Japan who need it most. Lastly, through the website, it will be easy for anyone to donate to the cause. The website is available in both English and Japanese with the latter providing more information about the NPO.
