Have you had to adapt your Award Voluntary Service activity as a result of COVID-19? If so, how?

Award participant Jayan from Sri Lanka, usually teaches children from less privileged backgrounds, for his Voluntary Service section. The service, delivered through Model United Nations (M.U.N) has had to be closed due to COVID-19. 

We asked Jayan about how he has had to rethink and adapt this section so he can continue working towards achieving his Award. 

Are you using your Award (and particularly your Voluntary Service section) to help your community deal with the challenges of COVID-19? If so, how? 

Yes due to the contacts of lesser privilege kids I have gained in teaching M.U.N, while I can’t physically teach and support them, I can communicate and let them know about COVID-19 news updates and make them aware them of the necessary precautions via telephone (as they do not have access to the internet).  

During these challenging times, I make sure to make the maximum use of the few phone numbers I have of 5 to 6 lesser privileged families of these children to keep them aware of the current COVID 19 situation in Sri Lanka. I take into account the importance of alerting them to the latest news as soon as possible to avoid further spreading and risk of infection. Offering a service to these families in any possible way was always my goal so I’m happy I can still help at this time. They are very grateful about making them aware and appreciated my actions. 

Boy talking to crowd

Do you think being involved with the Award helps you and your community at this time? If so, how? 

Yes due to both my contacts gained by cooperating with different social groupsI have been able to understand and help in providing information and aid in recovering from this pandemic. 

The Award helped me build the network by engaging in the Voluntary Service section which has allowed me to give back to my community in such challenging times. It has definitely helped me feel self-fulfilled even during a lockdown and for my community to reap the benefits from it. 

Sri Lanka group photo