INDIA'S FRONTLINE WORKERS FIGHTON

"Welearnt aboutadvisingonsin1plethings such ashow to maintain spacesbetween peoplewhenlivingintiny hon1es bynot siltingoreatingtogether,leavingdoorsand windows open, usingtheverandah, about pronation orsleepingonyourtun1n1y to ease breathingdifficulties verypractical things," saysRohina aboutthe takeawaysof thetraining.

Providing Online Training For Student Volunteers

LizaThon1as,throughaclassn1atein[ndia, foundthat COVIDConnectcouldbe partof anotherlargerinitiativebyMaduraiKamaraj University.They couldhelpwithonline trainingofgraduatestudentvolunteers on theprevention andcontrolofCOVID.

To dateCOVIDConnecthastrained 600 graduate students andthefacultyofseven colleges inTamilNadu. These studentsare nowgoingtovillages in Maduraitoeducate people about thevirus andto counter vaccine hesitancy.

Theyalso provide psycho-socialsupport to counterthestigma causedbyCOYJD, aswellasgriefsupport topeoplewho havelost a lovedone. "Thisis abeautiful model ofhowcivil societycan rise up and dosomethingfor prevention andcontrol, andwe playa smallrole in this 111uchlarger move111ent," says Robina about this 'all handson deck' solution.

What started asa pilothasnowgrown biggerthan what theyilnagined.They have been askedtotrain 2400 n1oregraduate students."Weare bracing ourselves forthis," laughs Robina, both excitedandfearfulat the enormityof the task.

Whiledoctorson the groundinIndia are busy meetingtheirclinical responsibilities, theseIndian-origin doctorsinAustraliaare workingwithCOVlDConnectto provide all the additionalsupport theycan.

Caring For Children Dealing With Loss

Anotheractivityin the pipelineissourcing simple, clearevidence-based materials for children dealingwithlossofa loved one and 1najorchanges in theirlife causedby COVlD in ruralIndia.They have expanded theiractivitiestocover NorthIndia where they will train more volunteers and alsothe NepaJ region.

Sharingresourcessuchaspostersand messages to bedistributedonsocialmedia platforms, hasbeen anothereffective support activity.This helpstocounter the misinformation spreadthrough what

Robina calls "TheWhatsApp University".

In a matter ofeight weeks, the movement has grown exponentially. Butgiven that India has seen more than 30 millionCOVID cases, andso1ne 403,000 deaths since March2020, Rohina isaware that there ismuchtodo. Atthe same time, she isconfidentthat the work ofCOVID Connect will create the needed impact.

"l amamazedat the responseand the generosityofaJI ourvolunteers," she says with humility.

WithCOVlD Connect, she's proving again what anthropologist Margaret Mead oncesaid, "Neverdoubt that asmallgroup ofthoughtful, committed citizens can change the world;indeed,it's theonly thing thateverhas."

Formoredetailsandtofindouthowyou canhelp,headtowww.covidconnect.net.au

•:• Stunning modern interiors, spacious beautifullyappointed single & limited double rooms all with private en suites

•:• Each room features state ofthe art beds flat screen TV's with Foxtel and Wi-Fi ,

•:• Large oversized windows allowing natural light to flow in

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•:• Beautifully landscaped designed courtyards and surrounding gardens

•:• Nutritious vegetarian meals are home cooked by our experienced Chef and served in one of the many dining rooms.

•:• Cafe and private dining room to entertain guests

•:• Arts and craft room, cinema, hair and beauty salon, chapel and library

•:• 7 Day Recreational Program

•:• Meditation Room

•:• Fees starting from 85% of Standard Aged Pension as assessed by Centrelink