Corona pandemic is negatively affecting nearly every aspect of life worldwide. Our organisation and our projects are not spared from this problematic. The same applies for our partners, for example, the Klima-Kollekte (A CO2 compensation fund of Christian churches in German) needs also to cope with the situation and update its clients and partners, because among others the compensations they normally get through flights emissions are going to be low as almost no one is flying at the moment.
For this purpose, the organisation Klima-Kollekte has started a new podcast series: "A change of perspective" – where they intend to give their partners a voice. They want to ask specifically how the implementation of the projects is progressing; what challenges the partner organisations are currently facing and what support they may require. RDIS organisation was blessed to be selected for this podcast interview some weeks ago. It was done completely in German, but we have put hereunder a simple transcription for non-German speakers to follow what was broadcasted.
How RDIS organization and particularly its Stove Distribution Project is coping up with the impacts of Corona pandemic.
28/April/2020INTRODUCTION:
"A change of perspective" - the podcast of the organization Klima-Kollekte
The constraints of the Corona pandemic are our reason to inform you about the current situation in our climate protection projects using our new podcast series. This is because people in the countries of the global South in particular, are facing even greater challenges than we are in Germany: they are more likely to be affected by poverty, the healthcare system is generally weaker, and they continue to be affected by the consequences of climate change.
Our podcast offers our partner organisations a platform and provides insights into current project work with the help of a short interview every month.
With the podcast series: "A change of perspective" we also want to give our partners a voice. We want to ask specifically how the implementation of the projects is progressing; what challenges the partner organisations are currently facing and what support you can give.
The first podcast is dedicated to our climate protection project in Rwanda. Please listen to it and change your perspective!
We would be happy to receive your suggestions and questions, please contact Ms. Sina Brod at
INTERVIEW:
1. First, how are you doing Richard and your colleagues in Rwanda?
Health-wise we are doing well, but not so well in terms of our daily work due to the corona epidemic.
We are following the Prime Minister's instruction to limit the spread of the disease since 21 March 2020, when most people are forced to work from home. And very few people who work in essential facilities such as pharmacies, hospitals, banks, etc. are allowed to go to work.
But because of the nature of our organisation, very few people can work from home. The majority of employees who work in the field zones cannot do their jobs properly. Approximately, 5 vs 20 people.
2. What was the last status of the project before the outbreak of the Corona pandemic?
We made remarkable progress. In the last three years, the CCER project has enabled RDIS to distribute and install a lot of wood stoves in the countryside (about 6000). We have also distributed ceramic water filters (about 1,300) to the poor families in our areas of intervention, i.e. in 4 dioceses of the Anglican Church in Rwanda: Shyogwe, Butare, Kigeme and Cyangugu).
The cooking stoves and water filters that we have distributed so far are in proper use and have an impact on the lives of the users.
We have also successfully carried out many other activities, such as capacity building for RDIS staff, field workers and installers. We have also raised the awareness of people in the community.
3 What challenges does the project face against the background of the corona pandemic?
As I said before, few people who normally work in an office can work from home, but most in the field can't do their job properly. Well, CDM and Gold Standard have allowed us to do some of our daily work over the phone, but most of our clients don't have a phone.
Another big problem is economic. Most of our customers in the villages are small farmers or people who depend on their daily income for survival. Due to the continuous quarantine they could not earn money. These people need support for food and other necessities.
4. How can RDIS best be supported in the context of the climate change project?
The best way to support RDIS is that many people and many organisations in Rwanda, Germany and other countries offset their CO2 emissions through our project.
We simply tell everyone: "If you offset your carbon footprint with #Climate Collect, you will help with reforestation and climate-friendly projects around the world. We, therefore, kindly ask everyone to do his or her part!"
[In addition, we are already looking for ways to expand this project as we will soon complete the distribution of the current cookers and water filters as per contract. So, in addition to the “Brot fuer die Welt” organization that helped us with this first project, we would be happy to attract other investors to work with us to provide improved stoves to poor families in Rwanda -- for the interest of protecting our sole planet. This part was edited/removed]
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