* Update - Big 'Thank You' to everyone who supported our Just Giving appeal! In total we have raised £600. This will be split between two activists - Phaire (Maurine Sefali) who is working in Nyanga and Siphosethu who is working in Khayelitsha. They will each get £300, the money will be used to support those most in need. 27/06/20

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The Covid-19Stories

Amidst the crisis of one of the biggest global pandemics in living times which has seen lives lost, the world as we knew it is completely at a standstill. The inequalities, the poverty and the divides within society have been brought to the forefront. During this time more and more of us are connecting, rebuilding, based on what we’ve experienced, how the world has changed, and what we all need.

Those who are often the most undervalued members of society are now true heroes – risking their lives daily while saving lives, stacking shelves, cleaning the streets, attending the sick in the community to name a few. Let’s work together to get the future right, as we rebuild, lets redesign our economy and systems so that they work for all of us.

TheCovid-19Stories – aims to elevate stories of positivity, humour and human interest to support and inspire social distancing, self-isolation and quarantining.

Stories unite us – they connect the dots between who we were, who we are and who we want to be. They connect us to the people who are willing to listen, but in the context of Northern Ireland and sadly many other countries, those who are in power and making decisions are not listening. Government action has been the main factor in how well different countries have responded to the pandemic. When leaders set and enforce smart policies, it saves lives and protects our wellbeing. We can apply the same principle now to redesign our economy and improve our systems. Let’s set new standards and develop better mechanisms to make sure that the private sector considers people and the planet alongside profits.

This project was established by Rory Doherty and Marissa McMahon, activists based in Belfast who are part of a wider network of activists within the Social Change Initiative. (https://bit.ly/RoryDohertySCI) (https://bit.ly/MarissaMcMahonSCI)

While collecting stories from participants from around the world (such as Ireland, UK, USA, South Africa), we were reminded how privileged some of us are and the fact that we take some of our basic needs for granted (shelter, security, water, electric, food, connectivity, community).

For this project we have two aims;

Firstly, to help amplify the stories of the voiceless both here and further afield - like those who are living in some of the poorest townships in South Africa with no running water, electric and or food. How can they be expected to self-isolate, wash their hands regularly and stay safe?

Secondly, we also want to raise funds for our friends who continue to work at grass roots level daily facing many dangerous situations in townships in South Africa such as Nyanga and Khayletshia.

Pharie an activist working with Nyanga township states

“The money will be used to provide parcels that will include basic essentials : Mielie meal, samp, rice, soya mince, onion, potatoes, tinned food, bar soap, sanitary pads, tea/coffee, sugar, flour, yeast, bread spread, tooth paste, salt and packing bags. There is also a need for baby essentials such as powdered milk, cereal, diapers, wipes and baby soap. A large group of the mothers are also HIV+ meaning not breastfeeding at all and need the milk. There are also infants who are not on breastmilk anymore but still too young for solids and the cereals are needed for this".

If you feel inspired, motivated or moved through one of the stories please feel free to donate.

No donation is too small even £1 would help and is very much appreciated.

Much Love! - #TheCovid-19Stories #VoicingTheVoid