A Blessing from the Yayasan Anak Bangsa Bisa for Sereh Village

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected almost all citizens in Indonesia, including the community in Sereh village, Sentani, Jayapura regency, Papua. One of the main sectors most affected is the livelihood sector because most people cannot interact and work as usual. Responding to this situation, Wahana Visi Indonesia (WVI) in collaboration with the Yayasan Anak Bangsa Bisa (YABB) through the COVID-19 Pandemic Emergency Response (COPE) provides assistance for livelihood recovery through the distribution of basic food package in Sereh village.

The food distribution is carried out through direct assistance and the cash & voucher program in June 2020. In total, there are 380 community members in Sereh village who received this assistance including Syuelce Assa, a housewife, and a kiosk seller.

“I was a seller. My kiosk was located in the office of Social Service. Before COVID-19, I could get IDR 500 thousand per day. After COVID-19, my income decreased significantly because there were only a few buyers. Even, nobody shopped there,” she said sadly.

However, Syuelce is then assisted through the cash & voucher program by receiving capital assistance. Now she can open a kiosk at her house.

“After I received capital assistance, I opened a kiosk at home. Although it is still quiet, every day someone goes shopping in my kiosk. Through this way, in the midst of COVID-19, I feel that God always bless me,” she said happily.

YABB and WVI do not only provide livelihood recovery assistance in Sereh Village but also Nendali Village located in East Sentani, Jayapura regency. In this area, 220 people also receive food distribution and livelihood recovery assistance. All the support and assistance provided is expected to restore the livelihood condition of the communities affected by the disaster.

“We are grateful to the donors who have shared blessings with us, especially the Yayasan Anak Bangsa Bisa and WVI. Hopefully, it can also bring blessings for more people,” said Syuelce.

From March to September 2020, in total the COPE programs have benefited 6,884 people around Indonesia from providing food assistance to livelihood assistance. The assistance will continue through the recovery program starting in October 2020.

Written by Rena Tanjung, Communications Officer, Wahana Visi Indonesia