In a unique sign of exhibiting a swift response for Nepalis affected by the coronavirus, the Nepalese community in Australia has joined hands and mobilises resources.
Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) Australia, the apex body representing the 150,000 plus Diaspora in Australia along with the help of other responsible community organisations, leaders has developed a response plan to help the most vulnerable – mainly newly arrived students and parents. The NRNA has also gotten the support of Nepali Embassy in Canberra, Australia and the various Consulate Offices of Nepal in Australia.
NRNA Australia has therefore introduced relief packages to those who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic in Australia.
The organisation will help international students with food supply for 30 days. To be eligible, a student must:
- have arrived recently.
- be unemployed.
- in self-isolation,
- and without local family support.
All assistance must be referred and verified by the NRNA Australia State Team, Embassy of Nepal, Australia, or Consulate Office of the particular state.
NRNA Australia will also support other community members and provide food for 15 days to those in severe financial hardships and in self-isolation
The assistance package will be decided, determined and coordinated by relevant State Coordinators of each State Council.
Those in need of the support are required to fill a form and send it to NRNA – the link to the form can be found below:
Meanwhile, Nepali community members are also working towards a broader response plan. The initiative, led by NRNA and other community leaders, is seeing active engagement of the community to help those in need. According to sources, the Broader Community Meeting is aimed at mobilising community resources more quickly and efficiently.
A meeting held yesterday decided to:
- Form a joint taskforce of all community organisations in Australia.
- The taskforce will be led by NRNA Australia, under the patronship of Embassy of Nepal, Canberra.
- NRNA to continue relief efforts until further notice.
A second meeting will be held to decide other details, including the objectives of the taskfore.
