The Salvation Army International Headquarters's video: Weekly update: The Salvation Army s response to coronavirus 14 May 2020

Around the world, The Salvation Army remains committed to helping those affected by the coronavirus situation. Food distribution is still a vital part of the response. Pakistan, Mozambique, Jamaica and Malaysia are just some of the places where the Army is working hard to ensure families and individuals receive basic supplies, at a time when there is a lot of financial uncertainty. Elsewhere, hot food programmes mean that cooked food is available for those that need it most, including people that are homeless and those experiencing unemployment. In Mexico, a new feeding initiative - funded through money collected at Christmas - was originally intended to last until the end of April but has now been extended to the end of May. The increase in financial pressure that many people are experiencing has led to some taking on unmanageable debts to pay household bills and other essential costs. The Salvation Army in Australia has been offering advice to those most vulnerable from the high interest repayments associated with quick loans, in an effort to avoid spiralling debts and further problems. Financial counsellors offer free guidance and advocate with lenders. Hygiene is important in reducing the spread of coronavirus. In Kenya, The Salvation Army is educating the community on how the virus is transmitted and teaching good practice in hand washing. Efforts to educate young people are continuing. In Poland, the Army’s after-school programme is helping to prepare students for English language exams being held in June, as well as organising craft, music and sport activities. Through postal and personal deliveries, teachers in Liberia are providing work to students. Distances travelled can be significant, with teachers walking up to 5 kilometres to achieve this. In South Korea, television, radio and social media is being used as the syllabus moves to a remote-learning model. With schools closed, many children are facing separation from friends. In Ohio, USA the Army is tackling this isolation with ‘Boredom Buster Bags’. Making use of leftover toys, books and games from last year’s Christmas programme, the packs also contain Bible teaching material and are being distributed to families in the community. In the Netherlands, The Salvation Army has taken an exercise programme to the streets. By being outdoors and ensuring participants remain the mandated distance apart, community members have been able to make safe contact with each other while keeping fit and healthy. Self-isolation has seen a large increase in requests from prisoners for copies of The Salvation Army’s weekly magazine, the War Cry, in the UK. Over the past six weeks, 15,000 copies have been delivered to 31 jails, an increase of 16.5 per cent. Positive feedback has been received from prisoners, with one writing to report feeling connected to God through reading the publication. News of The Salvation Army’s response to coronavirus is being shared regularly through our social media channels and our website. Please continue to pray for an end to the pandemic, and also for resources, health and strength for the thousands of Salvationists, employees, volunteers and friends who are working to help people in need around the world. sar.my/covid19