Hope for the Hopeless
In many places in South Africa, large families are forced to “isolate”, often in very small dwellings. This is the case for Sarah* and her family.
Sarah’s husband used to work in construction, but because of the lockdown brought about by COVID-19, he has been unable to work or receive any income.
This has led to a desperate situation for Sarah. Many times, their only option for food was to take used pots that neighbours had cooked in simply to make small amounts of gravy from the leftovers. She has been unable to afford nappies for their 3-month-old baby and their only option was to cut up their clothes to wrap him in.
This is only one of the many desperate actions that we have seen by the families we have sought to help.
Flying for Life seeks to bring sustainable solutions to isolated communities across South Africa. Its main project in this time focuses on giving food packs, clothes, and other essential items to families in need across Gauteng. We provide primarily to those who are experiencing poverty and have no way of making an income under the current COVID-19 regulations.
The main challenges faced by the team are funding and security. Sadly, due to lack of financial resources, the team has been unable to help and support everyone who has asked for help. We currently have a waiting list of desperate families and are faced with the responsibility to choose which of them will receive help and which will not.
In addition, there is such a large need within the community that has often resulted in violence with people attacking those trying to help. This has put our staff and the community at risk and, most notably, revealed just how volatile the situation really is. We continue to hope for a greater stream of finances as the necessary work continues to bring these families what they need.
