Things are a bit business unusual for CWS these days, as they are for much of the world. The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is slowing us down and causing us to reschedule larger group activities. These include Community-led Total Sanitation start-up events and cross-community sharing and learning field trips. But, in most rural areas where CWS and partners work across Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Timor-Leste and Vietnam, our water, sanitation and hygiene improvement efforts continue. And, we have some new directions to support communities and local health departments address COVID-19.
In the Ayeyawaddy River delta region of Myanmar, CWS teams continue partnerships for development. For example, the Maubin YMCA was able to complete sewing lessons and graduate a group before restrictions. When classes resume in due time, they will have fewer than 10 students. So, there will be more groups over more time.
To acknowledge continuing opportunities, which generous CROP Hunger Walk donors in the United States make possible, some students wanted to share their thanks. And some neighbors who are being helped in new latrine and water projects joined them in giving thanks, too.