NRNA Australia to assist Nepalese international students with food supply

Non- Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) Australia has created Community Response Taskforce in each State of Australia following Australian government’s travel ban and self-isolation directives to control spread of COVID-19 pandemic.

In a press release issued by NRNA, it reads, “It has changed the way we live. NRNA Australia is very concerned about wellbeing of our community members especially International students and parents in visitor visa.”

State Coordinators will decide on taskforce members under the coordination of Public Officer Komal Raj Pathak.

NRNA has also written that their helpline and Facebook group will be activate during the crisis while Spokesperson Nanda Gurung being in-charge of the helpline.

The association is also organizing national discussion with stakeholders on Sunday to reach a broader consensus. The discussion will also include possible measures of support.

Following support will be available from Monday 23 March 2020.

1. NRNA will help Nepalese international students with food supply for 30 days. To be eligible for such assistance students must meet following criteria
a. be recent arrival and
b. be unemployed and
c. be in self-isolation and
d. be someone with no family support locally
e. inform Nepal Embassy or Office of Consulate General in that state

2. The association will also support other Nepali community members and provide food for 15 days to those who are in severe financial hardships and in self-isolation.

3. The association will provide volunteers for Australian communities.

4. National crisis forum will be organized at 4 pm Sunday with Nepali Embassy in Canberra, all Nepali community organizations in Australia, community and business leader via video conferencing to discuss and decide on measures that can taken.

5. The assistance package will be decided, determined and coordinated by relevant State Coordinators of respective State Council.