As of March 2020, Coronavirus (COVID-19) had affected and had led to a shutdown in every country including Ethiopia where the government declared its state of emergency in the second week of April 2020. Resulting in its economic shutdown in both high- and low-income communities around the country. At Studio Samuel we decided to take a close look at how this significantly affects the services, operations, and the people working with in the facility. We were able to interview two of our studio Samuel students, as followed:
For safety and to protect our girls we kept their name anonymous. Instead, we used Answer 1 and Answer 2.
As we began our interview both of our girls discussed how they are taking precautions during this pandemic by “staying at home, wearing mask at all times when going outside, keeping social distance, and washing hands frequently.”
What challenges have you faced during this pandemic?
Answer 1: I couldn’t go to school {nor to Studio Samuel] center due to the pandemic. [I am] helping my mother on her [small] business which is selling tea and coffees. It’s difficult for me to sell and [meet daily goal].
Answer 2: Not being able to go to school and the center [Studio Samuel] for after school activities.
What is one thing that Studio Samuel can do better to support your wellbeing during this time?
Answer 1: My mom is not making money as she used to due to the pandemic and we are in need of hygiene kit, school materials and food.
Answer 2: I want Studio Samuel to continue supporting me by supporting us through food, school material’s, and by opening Studio Samuel.
What questions do you have about COVID- 19 or its impact on our organization that you would like answered?
Answer 1: [Finding ways to] get back to Studio Samuel and continue to do all the activities as we remain social distancing.
Answer 2: My friends and I are sad because we can’t see each other and are spending most of our time at home. I would want to see the center to be open again.
What is your biggest concern right now? Do you feel like you are having enough opportunities to catch up with your friend and family?
Answer 1: How long the pandemic is going to last and when will I be going back to school and to the center. Will we be able to start our previous lifestyle? I do not feel like I have enough opportunity to catch up with family and friends.
Answer 2: I am very concerned [of] what will happen to me if Studio Samuel stopped supporting me. No, [the health] case I have, it don’t allow me to hangout freely during the pandemic.
List three things that would make you feel safer during this time.
Answer 1: Using hand sanitizer, keeping social distancing, and following the information given by the health workers and government.
Answer 2: Staying home, keeping social distance, wearing [face] mask.
Do you see people in your community taking precautions? Wearing a mask, washing hands, standing 2 meters apart?
Answer 1: Yes, but not everyone is following the government’s protocol, some wear mask only when they see police or are told to do so by another person.
Answer 2: yes, [for the most part] but some people do and other don’t.
What good things have you found or learned during this time?
Answer 1: We don’t know what will happen in our life so do something good for [for those who are] around you.
Answer 2: While staying at home, it’s a perfect time to improve our hobbies.
A student picks up supplies (not one of those interviewed)
After completing our interview with two of our high school students, we then decided to go farther and interview two more students who are currently attending college and get their opinion about Studio Samuel and its current work as followed:
Do you have any feedback that you would like to share regarding the Studio Samuel response to COVID-19?
Answer 1: I was very nervous and frustrated of the basic needs I need to have to live and I am happy that I got what is important for me to live in the hardship.
Answer 2: If it wasn’t for Studio Samuel, I wouldn’t know what I would feed my child during this pandemic and lock down.
How has this pandemic affected the way you’re working now?
Answer 1: I am struggling to stay healthy and at same time work to get money to fulfill a day to day meal.
Answer 2: I was making enough money using my embroidery skill but since the pandemic, I am losing customers and people are not buying as they use too.
Do you see people in your community taking precautions? Wearing a mask, washing hands, standing 2 meters apart?
Answer 1: Yes, but only hand washing, although people are wearing face mask, they are not wearing it properly. Some are only covering their mouth and others are only wearing mask when there is a police officer’s nearby. Social distancing something I am not seeing people following the 2 meter [6 feet] apart rule. I believe that maybe because of our life style [culture] makes it harder to do so.
Answer 2: At first everyone was following the restrictions by wearing face masks, keeping social distance [after a while] not many people are taking the precaution.
What good things have you found or learned during this time?
Answer 1: People need to live cautiously: [as a whole] we need to learn saving and working hard. Something like COVID-19 might happen [again] and affect our community.
Answer 2: I am very well informed if I keep on practicing what is being told by health workers, my child and I will be save from Coronavirus (COVID-19) and we will keep our community safe as well.
a student picks up supplies (not one of those interviewed)
As we conclude our interview, it’s not too hard to see how COVID-19 had affected our girls and their family. COVID-19 is taking its toll on the world resulting in an economic shutdown in both high- and low-incomes around the globe, causing deaths, illnesses, and economic despair. While there is no doubt, we all felt the devastating effect of COVID-19 as well as the cause of significant stress. We all need to familiarize ourselves with the importance of mental health and a positive mind. Remember we are all in this together and maintaining our culture of caring and community moving forward will make us more resilient and connected.
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