The COVID-19 outbreak affected the entire world and changed many of our norms and day-to-day lives. Lebanon was also affected greatly starting from the “general mobilization”, to curfews, mass closures, and shutdown of all vital institutions including the airport. This resulted in many households to lose their livelihoods because the COVID-19 crisis was paired with the economic and monetary crisis. This affected the “Food for Assets” project implemented by the Lebanese Organization for Studies and Training (LOST), funded by the World Food Programme (WFP). However, as the situation in Lebanon is becoming more under control, LOST and WFP relaunched the FFA project on the beginning of June.
After considering extra precautions due to COVID-19 and obtaining written approval from the municipality, the project started with only 400 participants per month divided into 2 cycles, 200 participants for each. The precautions taken on every site were strict, starting by the decrease in the number of participants on each site to avoid crowding. As such, sites with less than 200 meters had 15 participants, and sites between 200 and 500 meters had 20 participants, while sites above 500 meters had 40 participants. Also, upon arrival to the site, the staff measures the temperature for each and every participant. Next, no one is allowed to work if they are not wearing a mask and gloves. All participants are working in a linear line consecutively by task in order to ensure safe distancing between each other.
Participants in this project were excited for the relaunch and started working empowered with positivity. They were happy to meet again with their colleagues despite the COVID-19 crisis. All participants were cooperating together to compensate with the decrease in number of participants, and to finish within the timeline. They were also accepting of the new measures, and in fact, they were very supportive of it.
This project provides cash assistance to the vulnerable participants, thus helping them survive the circumstances of the lockdown and the tough economic status. The project supports equality between women and men as well as respecting the ability of women to work under the same circumstances as men.
