Normal schooling is still a long way off in the Usthi education projects. The schools are forced to teach the children and young people online. Only the skills training courses can currently take place physically.

For a short time, our partner organisation in Hyderabad hoped that the children from the Usthi projects would soon be able to participate in face-to-face classes again. However, with the threat of a third wave, online classes now continue. Shortly before the planned relaxation, the local government decided not to allow physical classes. The three Usthi schools Ananda, Thaddeus and Penthakata have resumed classes after the summer holidays, lessons are still held digitally.

The skills training courses are held in the teaching centres in compliance with the protective measures. Normal operations could be resumed here and the courses are already well attended. Many of the participants are women from the Usthi women’s shelters. The tuition centres in Hyderabad continue to operate on a reduced scale. The students are taught in small groups and can request assistance by phone.

Schools in Nepal also remain closed. The lockdown will continue until at least mid-July. In January, a first distribution of school supplies for 151 children had already taken place. Our local partner is currently waiting for permission from the authorities to carry out the next distribution. Usthi’s local partner organisation is using the current situation to start renovation work in several schools in the Kathmandu Valley. In particular, school rooms for kindergarten classes are being improved.