by Cleric Sanket Chauhan for BISMumbai

Lok Seva Kendra Chhotaudepur [LSK], the social outreach wing of Don Bosco Chhotaudepur, started a 'relief-kit' outreach to the most needy poorest in the villages of Chhotaudepur from 01 July 2021. LSK initiated a survey that helped identify the jobless poor, those in great financial distress and emotional stress, following the COVID-19 2nd wave in Chhotaudepur. The systematic study analysis demonstrated that many of the beneficiaries were in the socio-economic backward caste/class and Rathwa tribal people with no land-holdings. These have been identified as the most marginalised poorest needy, outside the ambit of Don Bosco LSK's outreach thus far.

Each of the 'relief kits' comprised of rice, sugar, pulses, 03 packs of vitamin-immunity mix, tea-powder, masks, sanitizer, pain balm, washing soap and oil. The kits were distributed, alongwith Don Bosco COVID-19 awareness/precaution posters and leaflets. LSK is all set to distribute 3000 posters and 500 leaflets across 144 villages. Accompanied by awareness sessions, detailing the care and safety protocols as depicted in the posters and banners, LSK is reaching out to the unreached through ‘seeing is believing’. Public spaces, that serve as assembly points for every village - Aanganwadi, Panchayat Office, Grocery stores, Ration shops, local tea-houses, village market, and schools - all sport the LSK COVID-19 display banners.

The 'relief-kit' outreach was made possible through the Don Bosco Development Society-Province Development Office [DBDS-PDO] Mumbai, thanks to financial aid from Manos Unidas, Spain.