Currently, the Coronavirus infection is spreading in Latin American countries. In Mexico where OISCA is operating, the infection is wide spread and more than 300,000 infected persons have been confirmed as of July 13, 2020. Due to self-restraint of going out, inconvenient life is continuing for a long time, and unemployed people are increasing.
OISCA Mexico, assuming the spread of infection from early time within the country, decided on the distribution of kits such as protective clothing and face guards required by medical staff. Utilizing the connections with the community people who are understating of the OISCA activities, OISCA Mexico mobilized many people from searching cloth suitable for protecting clothing to cutting and production. In April, about 200 kits were distributed to doctors, nurses, and staff who support hospitals. In the battle over a long period of time, the cooperation from the residents has been highly appreciated by the medical staff.
OISCA Mexico, considering the importance of food which is the basis of OISCA activities, is carrying out guidance for community residents on home gardens by simple hydroponic cultivation that can be done easily under the severe environment of semi arid area. OISCA Mexico has purchased agricultural produce from the families taught to cultivate vegetables and fruits to support their livelihood. Moreover, it distributed the purchased vegetables and fruits free of charge to the unemployed people or offered at affordable prices to the people involved from day to day in the OISCA activities.
Because of the Coronavirus infection, town markets are closed and it is hard to secure food. Mr. Jose Martin Atela, President of OISCA Mexico, said: “under this tough situation, the residents help and appreciate each other, and we want to get closer to the development of “FURUSATO” that OISCA is aiming at”
Besides, in the San Marcos Tlalcoyalco area where is carried out the Children’s Forest Program, the children of the Popoluca tribe, practiced in their home garden vegetable cultivation and flower planting learnt at school, thereby respectively making original gardens.
In the future, OISCA Mexico intends to powerfully promote activities by helping and encouraging each other even under difficult conditions.