Fikir Integrated Community Development Organisation

FICDO's Compassion Projects/Emergency Responses

The past few years have been exceptionally challenging for our community and even the entire nation. COVID-19, conflicts, extreme weather (heavy rains and flooding and drought), locus invasion etc. have battered the economy. Although all members of our communities have been affected, some are more vulnerable than others. FICDO has been actively involved in emergency relief work and served thousands of people in the last three years.

During the lockdown, we saw an enormous outpour of compassion from every angle, which enabled us to reach out to those who were extremely affected. We received donations in cash and items. We bought emergency food items from local markets and distributed aid in various rounds. For those who were not able to leave their houses, we went door-to-door to drop the food aid.

COVID-19 is no longer a threat for members of our community. However, several members of our community face serious threats of hunger and starvation due to internal displacement and the rising cost of living. The winter months, June to September,are usually the most difficult times when households get food-insecure. At FICDO, we continue to stand with the most vulnerable in our community to relieve their suffering without neglecting ways to address the root causes of social and economic injustice. To stand with the most marginalised and the poor, you can donate through our GofundMe campaign. Or contact us directly at info@ficdo.org

How FICDO's Compassion support helped a young mother during the Pandemic

Mrs Kaba used to make handicrafts and sale them on road-side to put food on the table for her growing family. However, she lost her livelihood when she could no longer sell the products due to the pandemic. She could not find any support from friends and families as everyone was struggling at the time. A support from FICDO's Compassion Project meant Mrs Kaba and her young family could get through the difficult time. FICDO's Compassion Project has been made possible through the generous donations of our friends.

Compassion during COVID

Rebecca Ewnetu and Olivia Duda were secondary school students when news of the pandemic became headlines all over the world in 2020. Rebecca, originally from Ethiopia, was stricken by a photograph showing anxious children attempting to cover their mouths with their hands, possibly for fear of catching the virus. By then, little was known about the virus and what impact it would have on people on people of various age groups.

Rebecca then teamed up with her school friend Olivia who had just set up a crafts business dedicated to hand making reusable facemasks. Altogether the girls donated 120 euros worth of masks which we distributed to children partaking in FICDO's education program. We are greatly inspired by these two young girls' generosity and compassion. Just as COVID-19 is contagious, so is compassion.

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