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The weak economic systems of Africa were heavily affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Unemployment rates have increased as have inequalities. Loss of jobs and reduction in purchasing power have aggravated the living conditions of families. Anxiety and stress over uncertainty and loneliness caused by isolation have affected the health of many people. All this has happened in less than a year. Despite this, some things are changing for the better, thanks to the efforts of individuals who reacted positively to the Covid-19 pandemic to help those most affected by the virus. As in the case of the “True Sister’s keeper of Madaraka”, told by Gabriel Dinda (Nairobi, Kenya).
“The Virus has most afflicted that part of the population that was already living the burden of iniquity“. In Nairobi, Kenya, there is Strathmore University, a university center of excellence in Africa. The University is located in the Madaraka area, which also houses a public elementary school that serves local children from low-income families. The lockdown imposed brought with it many problems: most families did not have the means to allow their children to study online or hire private tutors. In addition, teenage girls were much more at risk of pregnancy, which increased over the period. In order to address the fragilities of the youngest, a group of female students at the University took action to offer mentoring and assistance to girls in the area; in addition, a fundraising campaign was launched to contribute to the families’ basic needs. The initiative has aroused interest and several other young people have mobilized, offering their help to lighten the burden of particularly difficult weeks.
“In the midst of the crisis, the need for everyone’s involvement to manage the difficult challenges in our communities has emerged: the pandemic has made clear the enormous potential we all have when we come together. Covid-19 has challenged resources around the world and has led many organizations and individuals to reassess priorities and resource allocation. As a result, we have been forced to seek solutions among our communities, using the local resources and allocations that our communities have for the common good. The need to adopt “housewife” solutions, supported by those who better understand the challenges, is an aspect that could shape the future of Africa – economically and socially. The fact that the two students promoting the Strathmore initiative have looked beyond their own classroom to commit themselves to providing practical solutions to society is a microscopic example of an approach to the challenges of African society that have plagued the continent for centuries“.
The focus on an intrinsic approach to solving persistent problems can lead to a better understanding of the concept of the common good. “When people know that the solution to a problem will come from outside, there is a tendency to commit less and pay less attention to the use of available resources. On the contrary, when you are actively involved in providing a solution to a problem, you tend to be more interested and pay more attention. Such an approach, transferred to the macro level, can lead to sustainable development throughout Africa“.
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