Thursday, 21 May 2020 09:04

COVID-19 Response: The ‘Youth Da’wah for Peace’ story

Written by Alia Lykka Yamut
COVID-19 Response: The ‘Youth Da’wah for Peace’ story Photos courtesy of Youth Da’wah for Peace
Youth Da’wah for Peace (YDP) is a community youth volunteer-based organization providing an alternative solution to ignorance, poverty, and conflict. YDP affiliated members are youth-serving individuals and young professionals utilizing their time, efforts, skills, and financial resources, in service of the community.
 
Youth Da’wah for Peace has been working on different programs and activities with different concepts, depending on the situations. By the time Cagayan de Oro had its first case on COVID 19, the organization organized donation drives in order to provide some materials needed for the public hospitals, namely JR Borja General Hospital (JRB) and Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC).
 
The initiative successfully procured disinfectants, rubber gloves, tissues and cotton balls, hand sanitizers, and face masks, among others. The organization also extended its generosity to the frontliners (mostly security guards and barangay tanods) by giving them water, packs of coffee, and cupcakes.
 
 
This time of Ramadan, the organization also initiated charity work for Muslims in the city who are very much affected by the community quarantine. An iftar meal (the meal they eat to break our fast) was served in chosen areas. This led to serving 750 meals for the whole month of Ramadan, this is sponsored by another organization and some anonymous sponsors.
 
Relief packs were also distributed to the families who are in dire need. As of now, the organization is currently preparing for an outreach program for the week until the second day of the Eid’l Fitr celebration.
 
Despite the current situation, the organization still aims to share some sweets for the kids in the Muslim communities for them to feel the essence of sharing during these trying times. Thus, food shall also be distributed to each family for the celebration of Eid’l Fitr.
 
In Islam, there are only two important celebrations: Eid’l Fitr and Eid’l Adha. With these, the organization hopes to provide something for the families who are needy to have something on their table in spite of the fact that life is really tough right now.
 
 
There may be different ways of helping in this fight against the pandemic COVID19. During this health crisis, the organization is geared towards the same goals which are to minimize the spread of the disease, to help those who are having a hard time, and to serve the community.
 
This crisis should not just become a pandemic or a situation to remember but should also serve as a reminder to everyone to be healthy and take care of health, the environment, families and above all, the connection with God.
 
(The Youth Da’wah for Peace is one of the member-organizations of the Oro Youth Development Council.)
Official logo of Youth Da’wah for Peace