With the ongoing Pandemic, quarantine has become a part of daily life for many around the world. For some, quarantine is as simple as a stocked fridge, work from home measures, and reliable utilities such as internet, water, and electricity. For others, quarantines are a luxury. In Bangladesh, hundred of thousands of children live in the streets, and the numbers seem to only be increasing. For many of them, Covid-19 guidelines such as "wash your hands" and "stay at home" mean little when you lack the means to do them.
In coordination with Bangladesh’s Department of Social Services, UNICEF provides psycho social support and non-formal education, along with access to basic social services, protection from harm, and reintegration services. Temporary shelters that provide food, water, and health care have also been established for children. Sadly internet services are unavailable, but the use of TV and an instructor that's a phone call away provide some education.
Shahnaz Rahman, a social worker, says it’s essential that children at the shelter get the psychosocial care they need, despite the staff not being there in person because of the lockdowns. She regrets not being with the children in person, but knows that they are getting the support from the two resident caretakers, two cooks and a female guard, all of whom stay in touch with the social workers and monitor the children around the clock.
To read the stories: https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/many-bangladesh-staying-home-isnt-option
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