We're back at the migrant shelter in Nogales, Mexico, where hundreds of people are waiting to hear news of their cases in the U.S. Hour after hour, day after day, people find themselves without a whole lot to do, and the stress can be overwhelming. It can be difficult to break up the days. So as part of our Thank-a-Thon series around the world, we decided to bring a little joy to people's day, a way of recognizing their humanity—that they're not just a number on a list. Together with the people who run the shelter, we led a beautiful flower-making workshop, allowing all those who choose to join in to make a brightly colored paper flower. The air shifted as everybody got to work and concentrated on creating something delicate, light, and colorful. “I didn’t know I could make something so beautiful with my hands,” said one of the residents. Something as simple as a small craft project can mean so much. It can help remind people that despite the wait, the best is … [Read more...] about Getting Crafty
Archives for December 2020
Improving the Wait
Our Thank-a-Thon returns today in Nogales, Mexico, where asylum seekers are waiting for their cases to be heard in the U.S. But COVID has made the wait extra long, and things are more uncertain than ever. We wanted to help improve the experience of waiting, and show the residents at the shelter that we appreciate everything they're doing to take care of themselves, and their families. Starting with the most impatient of shelter residents—the toddlers! Toddlers are notoriously impatient folks. And so we set out to make a space for them to enjoy their days! Toys, books, pillows, and a comfy rug to play on and with now fill the space! It’s not going to be home, but we hope this place can feel more like it as they wait for the next chapter in their lives and for their own play space! Let playtime begin! … [Read more...] about Improving the Wait
On the Frontlines
When it comes to frontline health workers battling COVID-19, there are unsung heroes everywhere—including the Somali Peninsula. But luckily, this year's Thank-a-Thon allows us to show these tremendous teammates that we see them—that the work they do is so critical. From the start of COVID-19, health teams operating maternity and pediatric hospitals in the city of Kismayo were supported by the water, sanitation and hygiene team to keep the water flowing. Protection teams and the entire operations team worked around the clock to provide critical health information and put the prevention awareness campaign into action. The result was proof of the indelible strength of the human spirit, especially when it comes to a seemingly insurmountable challenge—the case rates in the Somali Peninsula remained relatively low. "I am glad that we had very minimal infections and deaths due to COVID-19," said Jamad Osman Hersi, a midwife at the Bulo Abliko hospital. In the Kismayo region, where … [Read more...] about On the Frontlines