Founders Message Post Covid

Can you imagine, putting your mind to something- and being so determined to succeed?  

When Covid- 19 hit Ghana in March 2020, I read, researched, and watched every news report on it.  I became obsessed but also realised I had work to do to help others. I crossed my T’’s and dotted my i’s.  I got my mask, shield, gloves, sanitizer, and even spare water and soap in the car.  Like many, I removed my clothes before entering the house, washed my hands often, and of course social distanced from everyone.  I became the little old lady that always had tissue in her bag, and wipes to clean any surface I would touch.  My grocery shopping became a whole ordeal that normally left me quite tired.  I had wipes, and spray in my bag to clean any shopping carts, and extra to offer help to others.  I brought my own shopping bags, made by the ladies of B.A.S.I.C.S, never touched anything on the shelf, unless I was purchasing. Once home, I removed any original packing, disposed of everything else, repacked in ziplock bags and washed my hands in between.    

I carried this practice to work, and ensured everyone adhered to the new rules, the new normal.   The children were not exempted from this new practice, and hand washing stations were placed at 10 spots around the B.A.SI.C.S compound.  Kitchen staff were split up, to ensure we always have a cook at all times.  Staff had to clean down tables, chairs with alcohol , bleach, etc.   Water was mixed with bleach to ensure we can get any germs off your hands.  I recall one staff member saying “ Madam I dont think we should use bleach; and I replied “ I am a bleach baby, and I  am still alive. Bleach was a staple in my household as a child, and became a staple in my home as an adult.  So I  was well equipped for this war.   And indeed we were at war, with a virus we couldn’t see or hear; we just knew it was lurking around; but we were ready. 

Each day, the children went through a drill – a mini Say it Loud discussion about Covid-19, and how they can protect themselves and families.  So now the troops were ready to go out and educate their families.     But then the unthinkable, happened… I got the Virus!

I started not feeling well,  mild cold symptoms, which obviously is strange as I live in a hot climate.  But then the body pains came; so I thought “ Oh I have Malaria!  I tried to go to the pharmacy to get some drugs, as I often do without a prescription, but was told  I needed a prescription from the doctor. Times have really changed.  The days were over when I could walk in the pharmacy, and say  “ give me cipro, chloroquine, etc!   ( feeling like a doctor in my own right) 

So, I decided to call a doctor ( a real doctor) a friend,and went down the list of my ailments, and he suggested; I get tested for Covid. Immediately after taking the test; my mind started racing that I got it at work, and that means the staff and children might also have it.  Although I was still waiting for my results, I decided to test my entire staff and some children.   The next day, I learned I was positive, but the following day, the other results came back from the staff/ students  and they were all negative.  Everyone was ordered to self quarantine for 2 weeks; just in case- but thankfully nobody showed any signs of sickness. 

On my 22nd day of quarantine, and receiving medical treatment at home for covid related issues, I broke my silence.  I decided to tell my story to everyone on social media; what it was like to have the virus, the pains, the myths, the effects, and how much it cost to get treatment at home.   I wasn’t sure what the outcome would be as Ghana was witnessing so many cases of stigimation, and anyone with Covid seemed to be in hiding. After telling my story, many people called me to thank me for being bold and honest, but others had questions. Friends ask, if their symptoms sounded like they had the virus ( I felt like I was a doctor again)  and with each question I simply said “ get tested!.   If you didn’t catch my story, you can find it on instagram @basicsinternational page.   

During this time; everything stopped at B.A.S.I.C.S.  The doors closed, the gates closed, and there were no children coming or going.  In the 20 years, we never had to turn children away, but this time was for their own good; we thought.  Food deliveries stopped, meals stopped and distant learning stopped.  That was not good.

On 22nd June, ( after 3 test) I learned I was finally covid negative , and I was free to come out.  Not quite strong enough, but it was time to open the gates of B.A.S.I.C.S again. We invited children to come to the center to pick up packages of food items, and to just see their faces.  There were some missing faces, and their whereabouts were unknown to their friends.   Times like this makes me reminisce of why we made a commitment to be available and accessible 365 days a year; as our work has been essential for a long time.    Unfortunately, we will see some pregnancies when this is all over, as well as school drop out.   Children in communities like this, need guidance, and support, and often are forced to make decisions as part of their daily survival.  It just means we have more work to do. 

I am left with the aftermath of healing; getting my body back to feel 100%,  exercising, breathing well, eating well, keeping my immune system strong ,fighting the fear of getting it again, removing the thoughts of how I got it the first time, and of course protecting everyone else.   All of these are personal burdens I am dealing with and the psychological effects of Covid.  

But then after all of that, I  am still the Executive Director of B.A.S.I.C.S, and had to deal with laying off the staff, some after serving B.A.S.I.C.S for 5 years . Due to Covid, we have experienced a decline in donations, especially corporate donations that we receive every month. This surely has affected our programs We lost some of corporate sponsorships, or donations decreased- due to Covid ; so after 3 months of retaining staff; we had to make the painful decision to let them go, as we weather this storm. 

We will continue to serve the community and children, and plan ahead; but rely on volunteers, and our older children ( university students)  to keep things going. 

We will continue with outreach, providing food, essentials, etc to the children- and provide programs, through volunteers like Chess, Flute, Dance, and academic enrichment opportunities 

We hope that you stay with us, and continue to support-   this is when we need you the most

Consider supporting either our food bank program,  or 2021 summer camp program ( we would like to take 60 kids to camp this July and August) . We are moving ahead with the construction of Ghana’s first- ever Sleep away Fresh Air Sleep away Camp-  ( opening 2021), we need your help?  The Land has been secured, and our partners are are on the ground helping, but we need need more support.

to read more stories, or view our June 2020 newsletter click here https://basicsinternational.org/june-2020-newsletter/