Hello Everyone, 

I’m Sebit Martin and I am the Executive Director of the Community Development Centre (CDC), A nonprofit and nongovernmental Community Concern Organization with roots in community media, Our mission is to work for the welfare of Communities and poverty mitigation, always seeking to help the vulnerable, under-resourced, underrepresented, conflict-affected and displaced communities by providing empowerment and creating platforms for community development.  

With the Coronavirus (COVID-19) spreading across the globe, having cases confirmed close to us and with already best national measures taken to help prevent the spread of the pandemic such as the closure of the schools, and institutions of learning, public gathering and assemblies, weddings, sporting or political events, worship centers, night clubs and regulations on funerals or burials, including travel bans and restrictions on the movement of people within, and between several countries. 

The noble Corona virus as seen in communities of other countries has grievous impacts, for which reason we are concerned and thought to get to you with this message, even though we pray that it won’t reach or spread into our community areas. 

Dear Community, The pandemic is real and It’s a kind that requires unprecedented levels of cooperation among us, within the communities. Every member must take it seriously and act responsibly. We are required to change the way we live our day to day lives in the community, Adopting good and health hygiene practices, and according to the World Health Organization, the best way to prevent transmission of this coronavirus is to;

• • Wash your hands with soap regularly – at least for 20 seconds at every given moment or use alcohol-based sanitizers.
  • Practice a high level of personal hygiene
  • Stay indoors and practice self-distancing as much as possible by avoiding public gathering of whatever kind. Keep off  weddings, churches, and keep burials short and small
  • Avoid the shaking of hands, hugging and kissing. 
  • Avoid anybody contact – always keep at least a metre from the next person. 
  • Avoid partaking of any cold food or drinks 
  • Avoid unnecessary movements.
  • Adhere to instructions and advices given by authorities or following expert advice and guidelines from the government.  

I want emphasize that, In the Community we must practice this social distancing, minimise travel, work from home where possible and self isolate if one person in the household develops a high temperature or continuous new cough. Try not to touch your face, eyes, nose, mouth; Ensure surfaces are cleaned and disinfected, including clothing. Wear mask if you must be around people. Community members must not panic but remain vigilant and seek immediate medical help or attention from the nearest health facility whenever any member feels he/she have the symptoms and  signs of the disease such as; Dry Coughing, Sneezing, High Fever, Store throat, and Breathing difficulties.

As the COVID19 is dominating the talk in the community, misinformation and rumors are as well spreading like wildfire, because of this our information system is helping verify these rumors that  creates fears and panic and encourage the community to always pay attention to only official guidelines. And Through our community-centered media, we are communicating important messages about the pandemic to the community, in collaboration with the community and service providers. 

We at Community Development Centre (CDC) would like to  wish every member of our communities –  health, patience, strength and most of all RESILIENCE during this difficult time. 

We urge you please and please, prioritize the health and safety of yourselves, your loved ones and all those around you in the community, always. There has never been a greater need to come together, support each other, consider others and be kind.

I would like to hereby assure you our communities that your Centre shall continue to serve you in the same way as we have been doing, even during this period, with less or little disruption as possible. Though we confidently think that depending on the situation before us we may expect some changes to our services and programs.

I hope to communicate to you again if need be, providing you with further updates on the situation as often as is necessary. But always remember we are together in this times, we are with you. Once again, stay safe and take good care of your selves, follow official guidelines, be Strong, Resilient and protect your community against COVID 19.

Together we shall overcome and will crush this monster. Thank You.

Sebit Martin John
Executive Director
Community Development Centre (CDC)