Corporate Philanthropy and Personal Giving during the COVID-19 Pandemic
As parts of the world ease restrictions enforced since the spike of infections from the COVID-19 in March this year, a lot has changed. Kenya marked 100 days under the pandemic this week reaffirming that the fight against the virus is far from over.
The devastating effects of the corona virus have not only been felt across all global economic sectors, but even how the world implements key social development projects.
The disruption of the normal corporate social programs calendar across the non-profit sector has seen a re-evaluation of the implementation of key projects in the wake of the current restrictions in place.
School based programs have borne the brunt of the effects of the pandemic. Beneficiaries of scholarships and bursaries are currently at home, their fate dependent on the containment of the spread of the virus.
Despite reports of flourishing ecosystems deprived of human interactions, the environment still faces threats. Images of charcoal burning activities on social media are synonymous with those of wild animals taking over abandoned public places.
The global numbers of infections are rising and organizations have stepped up their efforts in fighting the virus. Organizations are adjusting their operations, and while risks are still being evaluated, there’s still a lot to be done in ensuring 100% compliance despite the current interventions put in place.
Corporate philanthropy has emerged as a key player in attempting to flatten the curve and mitigate the effects of COVID-19. Currently, global fund-raising efforts are geared towards are COVID related emerging issues, with national funds specifically created for the crucial supply of face masks and PPEs for the affected and the health workers.
READ MORE: KenGen PLC and KenGen Foundation Contribute Sh. 20M In Fight Against COVID-19
Corporate mitigation efforts continue to ensure that the critical needs of vulnerable members of the community are addressed. As a corporate citizen, KenGen PLC continues to engage with the community through sustained CSR efforts at its areas of operations and beyond.
This drive has gone further further with the company contributing Kshs20Million through the KenGen Foundation to the national COVID-19 fund and still continues fund-raising through voluntary contributions in its fight against the virus.
But even as corporates focus their attention in adjusting to the current realities, across the world, volunteers are coming out in number to lend their expertise on the global platform. Engineers, scientists, students and SME innovators are all giving their best in offering their ingenuity to combating the COVID-19 virus.
From the invention of automatic sanitizer dispensers, to mobile tracking phone applications and 3D printed breathing machines, the whole world’s attention is indeed focused on eradicating the virus.
KenGen Foundation’s operations have been quick to adjust its operations. Through the mobile application WhatsApp, members of the Schools Green Initiative challenge continue to engage with the office on issues arising in the school based tree-growing program. Additionally the project’s Monitoring and Evaluation officers ensure the continuous monitoring of the programme and offer support where possible, while maintaining social distance of course.
ALSO READ: Using Mobile Tech in Tracking Tree-planting Projects
Education scholarship beneficiaries are also able to receive updates through their own WhatsApp groups, and the team holds regular Zoom meetings to ensure the continuation of its programs while exploring new opportunities. New projects are in the pipeline, with long-term sustainability as the key focus of the Foundation’s agenda.
But what can you do on a personal level?
Besides contributing to the national kitty through verified channels, you can also contribute to charities in your area or reach out and offer your expertise. Through mobile apps, you can continue to mentor those under you guidance. Donating foodstuff and clothes to the needy goes a long way in alleviating the social burden brought about by COVID-19. You can also find time, especially those working from home, to plant a tree and encourage others to do the same.
Kudos to those who have dedicated themselves in fighting corona, and for those who haven’t started, let’s borrow a leaf from those who are already doing it.
We all have a role to play in containing the spread of COVID-19.
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–Ernest Nyamasyo, Communication Officer
