COVID-19 Response & Relief Programme In INDIA

MARI played a crucial role in implementing the COVID-19 Response & Relief Programme by addressing the health, economic, and social challenges faced by vulnerable communities. Through Child-Friendly Learning Spaces (CFLS), healthcare support, vaccination drives, livelihood assistance, and community outreach, MARI ensured that families affected by the pandemic received timely support and essential services.

By establishing six Child-Friendly Learning Spaces (CFLS) and facilitating the enrollment of 226 children, MARI helped ensure continuity in education during the pandemic. Health interventions, including COVID-19 recovery kits, vaccination support, medical referrals, and awareness campaigns, strengthened access to quality healthcare services.

The programme also empowered women and adolescent girls through menstrual hygiene awareness sessions and the distribution of dignity kits. Livelihood support was provided through supplementary assistance, business development grants, and literacy and numeracy training for women, enabling families to recover economically.

In addition, MARI strengthened community resilience by training Community Health Volunteers and Barefoot Counsellors in psychosocial support, gender-based violence prevention, legal awareness, and community well-being.

Through this integrated approach, MARI contributed to relief, recovery, and long-term resilience, helping vulnerable communities rebuild their lives with dignity.

Objectives

Mitigate the health, economic, and social impacts of COVID-19 on vulnerable communities.
Improve access to healthcare, vaccination, and essential support services.
Ensure continuity of education through Child-Friendly Learning Spaces.
Strengthen community resilience through health awareness, psychosocial support, and livelihood assistance.
Promote women’s empowerment, hygiene awareness, and social well-being.

"Ensuring health, education, and economic resilience for vulnerable communities, MARI stands committed to empowering lives through inclusive, sustainable, and rights-based interventions."

Achievements

Established 6 Child-Friendly Learning Spaces (CFLS) with 226 children enrolled (ages 4–12 years).
Mainstreamed 65 students into government schools.
Distributed 1,434 Child-Friendly Kits (CFKs) to children aged 4–8 years.
Distributed 749 Child-Friendly Kits (CFKs) to children aged 9–12 years.
Enabled 1,908 beneficiaries to access referral services for various health conditions.
Provided 75 beneficiaries with COVID-19 recovery kits for post-COVID care.
Facilitated 636 beneficiaries to receive measles vaccinations through Balapur Upper Primary Health Centre.
Supported 244 beneficiaries in receiving treatment for eye conjunctivitis at Balapur Primary Health Centre.
Reached 1,924 women and adolescent girls with menstrual hygiene awareness sessions and dignity kits.
Supported Community Health Centre, Barkas with medical equipment to improve healthcare services, especially for children and pregnant women.
Provided voucher-based supplementary assistance to 1,073 vulnerable households.
Supported 48 beneficiaries with business development cash grants.

Activities

Provided evening tuition support for 15 higher education students preparing for board examinations.
Trained 10 Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) on COVID-19 appropriate behaviour, Psychological First Aid, and referral pathways.
Enabled 100 women to complete six months of literacy, numeracy, and language training in English, Urdu, and Mathematics.
Trained 10 Barefoot Counsellors in counselling skills, gender-based violence response, paralegal support, conflict resolution, Psychological First Aid, mental health awareness, and community engagement.
Counselled and referred 32 domestic violence cases to appropriate support services.
Trained 25 youth leaders on peaceful masculinity, leadership, and paralegal volunteerism.

“The COVID-19 Response & Relief Programme has mitigated the pandemic’s impact by ensuring vulnerable communities’ education, healthcare, and economic support. MARI remains committed to fostering resilience and long-term empowerment.”