The ManicaPost
Jayathma Wickramanayake
By now, most people alive know that the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) has infected nearly every continent, forced countries into states of emergency, sent individuals into varying levels of quarantine and isolation, and shuttered businesses and schools. But there’s a lesser-known story that also deserves attention: of youth rising up to meet the challenge of this pandemic.
Some have warned that in addition to the tragedy of lost lives and the pain of lost livelihoods, a generation has lost its chance to contribute to our future. But I have seen how young people today — the world’s largest generation of youth in history — is finding purpose in this moment of crisis, and inspiring others to hope and act.
We have all been thrust into a new environment. The coronavirus has made new terms like social distancing and self-isolation common, and enveloped communities around the world in fear. But even as young people face unprecedented difficulties and uncharted paths, they are rising up to make a difference.
Through the confusion, stress and worry that the pandemic naturally causes, young activists and volunteers across the globe are generating ideas, energy and empathy, saving countless lives.
As the United Nations Secretary General’s Envoy on Youth, I know there is no better resource in times of trouble than young people. Yes, we need scientific breakthroughs, action by governments and a massive amount of financing, but we also need the kind of initiative and resourcefulness that motivate the world’s outstanding youth.
That is why I am looking at ten young people fighting coronavirus in their communities. You may never visit South Sudan, or travel to Peru, or find yourself in Italy, but when you read their stories you can find something that transcends time and space: a universal impulse to help others in times of need.
We will get through this crisis. And when we do, I am sure that history will show the world’s young people helped to bridge the world from fear to hope and from confusion to understanding.
Now meet the young people who are helping communities to stick together, even when they are all staying apart. Their courage gives me confidence that young people can manifest the best in humanity — and that is a light that will shine for generations to come.
Ndlovu Youth Choir (South Africa)
Using entertainment to raise awareness
The arts may seem like a luxury at a time of crisis when, in fact, performances can be part of the solution. Some young people have used their creative talents to support the Covid-19 response. The novel nature of the virus has caused a spread of speculation and unverified information regarding the virus’ spread, symptoms and potential treatments.
The Ndlovu Youth Choir, a South African youth choir known for reaching the finale of America’s Got Talent last year, composed, performed and filmed a musical rendition of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) coronavirus safety advice. Featuring translations of certain key points in various South African languages, the choir composed this song to ensure that the various communities in their country were well informed and safe during the spread of this outbreak. The video, posted on Twitter, was even shared by Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO’s Secretary-General!
Xian Lu the ‘Raincoat Girl’ (China)
Cooking for Wuhan’s medical professionals
The focus of the response is always the patients, but their lives could not be saved without the heroic health workers who risk their own safety to help others. In Wuhan, between the long working hours and closed restaurants, medical professionals are rarely able to eat warm, home cooked meals. This inspired 24-year-old Xian Lu to move to Wuhan and volunteer to cook meals for the city’s medical staff, despite the danger to her health. In 40 days, she cooked over 20 000 meals, often cooking up to 400 meals a day.
Affectionately known as “Raincoat Girl” due to her attire while out in the city, she has become a viral sensation in China, and an inspiration to many around the world, young and old alike.
Nourhene Mahmoudi (Italy)
Outbreak of generosity
What if the infectious spread of disease is met by an even more contagious sense of compassion? The spread of Covid-19 in Italy has upended the lives of many in the country. After seeing the increasing death rates, the sudden and complete lockdowns, and the increasing number of isolated and vulnerable peoples, Nourhene Mahmoudi felt compelled to act to support his nation.
On March 16, 2020, he and other young volunteers launched Outbreak of Generosity, supported by the Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (FEMYSO), an NGO that represents 33 member organisations in 20 European nations and aims to empower young people to better their communities and nations. After undergoing an advocacy training, the Outbreak of Generosity campaign was officially launched, alongside a comprehensive toolkit (translated into 14 languages) that aims to help mobilise youth to provide help to vulnerable communities in a safe and proactive manner. With volunteers from 12 different countries and a strong social media presence, Outbreak of Generosity has been able to help and inspire a large number of people in Europe.
Wevyn Muganda and Suhayl Omar (Kenya)
Supporting members of the community
Many people live without a social safety net, and nothing shakes their already unstable situation more than a crisis. The spread of the coronavirus has exposed vulnerable segments of society, prompting communities to rally around them in support. One such example of this is Mutual Aid Kenya, a grassroots and community-focused disaster relief organisation and social movement. Based on the concept of mutual aid, which relies on communities working together to ensure each others’ well-being, Wevyn Muganda, an activist and writer, and Suhayl Omar, a community organiser, journalist and student, founded Mutual Aid Kenya to provide aid to vulnerable people who are not properly assisted by government systems.
When the first case of Covid-19 was discovered in Kenya, Wevyn began engaging in digital advocacy, making sure that her fellow Kenyans were well informed of the potential risks and solutions. When it became more apparent that several members of the population were ill-prepared and ill-supported, she and Suhayl knew they had to do more, and the two began working together, leading to the creation of Mutual Aid Kenya. — un.org
