DIAKAID 2020 COVID-19 Grants

DIAKAID has awarded 15 grants to members of the diaconate for projects which deal with the many stresses and struggles related to the pandemic. These creative and compassionate endeavors respond to the impact of COVID around the world.

In July, the Executive of DIAKONIA World Federation agreed to meet the crisis by offering quick turnaround grants for the member associations of this worldwide diaconal community. Proposals were encouraged within a short timeline: one-month, early August to early September. An amazing number of applications resulted. As a whole, the projects demonstrate the imagination, empathy, and commitment of the international and ecumenical diaconate.

The applications chosen to be funded represent a broad international community of the diakonia: from Eastern Europe to Central America, from the continent of Africa to the Caribbean, from Oceania and Asia to North America. The diverse range of this work will have a global effect, offering ministry in a variety of geographic and cultural settings.

Medical issues and public health safety have, of course, been a primary concern during this time of COVID.  In El Salvador, a project to refurbish a community clinic will be supported by these DIAKAID grants.  On the island of St. Kitts, a church-run school will have its sick bay stocked with medical supplies needed to face necessary precautions.

COVID has resulted in a time of economic stress and hardship around the world.  The projects in Indonesia and the country of Georgia, will aid families living in poverty by offering food support during widespread unemployment.  In the Philippines, employment training will be organized.

In the period of the pandemic, women have faced increased, isolation, domestic violence, and sexual assault.  In Nigeria, funding will support an organized effort to defend and support rape victims. In the USA, an online community of over 300, will connect women with women for learning, coaching, job-searching, and encouragement.

Education has been strongly changed during this period of lock-down and social distancing.  In Rwanda, children from the poorest families will receive supplies and backing.  In the Jamaica Children’s Home, monies will go toward the costs of adapting to distance learning.

Strains are put upon mental health and addictions, during this time of tension and anxiety.  In North Caroline, front line workers in food pantries and shelters will participate in mental health first aid training. 

The fifteen projects funded were:

  • IKADIWA, Indonesia “Food support for parents and pre-school teachers” 
  • AIMP Philippines “Livelihood program for women” 
  • IEMELIF Philippines “School supplies for distance learning methods” 
  • Order of Deaconess Meth. Church Nigeria “Support for rape victims arising from COVID pandemic”
  • Abajo ba Christo, Rwanda “ Educational support of pupils from poorest families” 
  • Verband Freikirchlicher Diakoniewerke, Georgien “ Help for necessitous families in Georgia“ 
  • IECLB, San Salvador “Clinic COVID protection” 
  • WCD MCCA, Jamaica “Technology for Jamaica’s Children’s Home 
  • WCD MCCA, Basseterre, St. Kitts „ Safe School, Save the Sick” 
  • UMV DHM, Hong Kong “Support for migrant domestic workers” 
  • DUCC, Montreal Canada, “Post-partum mental health 
  • AADC, Victoria, Canada “Substance Abuse recovery” 
  • UMC Deacon, Georgia, USA „ On-line Women’s Community” 
  • LDA, Valparaiso, USA “On-line Community Resilience Model training for the diaconate” 
  • UMC Deacon, North Carolina, USA „ On-line Mental Health First Aid training” 

DIAKAID