As the participation of all citizens is crucial to combat COVID-19 and in response to government’s call, the number of people taking part in fighting coronavirus is increasing from time to time. According to Usman Ibrahim, Mobilization Director with Oromia Women, Child and Youth Bureau, volunteerism can be interelated with Geda System as it is not a new phenomenon for Oromo community.
The trend is a longstanding culture of Oromo people existed for long period of time. The State has been operating in a well fashion manner through creating citizen based service program; not only to curb the spread of COVID-19 but also to expand volunteerism in the state.
“In our community, there are cultures in which people facing challenges are supported and the problem of the community is solved. Hence to strength this golden culture more and support needy people in consistent manner, the State launched the program last year, he remarked. He stated that following the occurrence of the epidemic, to curb the spread of the virus more than 300,000 volunteers have been participating in voluntary service and they have registered fruitful results mentioning that they collected more than 100 million Birr from the community; apart in kind donation. He noted that volunteers understanding the economic burden of some people came to happen due to the epidemic, they have been dealing the issue with house renters. As a result, they have obtained a positive response from house renters.
Also they have been serving in distributing hygienic materials for poor of the poor community donated by individuals. Furthermore, to create awareness about the virus, volunteers have been travelling door to door, he added. Even if, a lot of activities have been undertaken by government and volunteers to curb the pandemic, there is still awareness gap and inattentiveness among the public, he stated. He also appreciates the participation and commitment of individual donors. Fekadu Garuma, a farmer, lives in Addis Ababa Bole Sub-City. Fekadu taking into account the seriousness of the case and the urgency of the time to help each other, he donated crop.
“We need to utilize the longstanding culture of generosity and supporting each other to curb the virus.” He also underscored the importance of implementing government directions mentioning that the guidelines are critical to fight against the virus and curb the epidemic. Ermias Geramaw, volunteer in Bole Sub City, on his part said that the effort of government to curb the virus is decisive to minimize the spread of the virus and contain it. The public should follow strictly and apply the guidelines.
The Ethiopian Herald April 8/2020
BY TAMERU REGASA
