Meena, an 18-year-old EMG who lives in South Karnataka received a phone call from her husband on a sunny June day, informing her that he wouldn’t come home for a few days. Meena’s heart dropped as she didn’t understand why her husband who was otherwise supportive would not return home and leave the responsibility of their two children and his mother on Meena to manage all by herself.
After some time her husband called her again to inform her that he had been tested positive for COVID-19. Meena fell straight on the ground, completely shocked. For hours she cried laying on the floor questioning her life and how she would share that news with her mother in law and the kids.
In this time of hitting rock bottom an IMAGE staff member reached out to Meena and after knowing what had happened she consoled her. Remembering those days Meena says, “I want to say thanks to Rajakka, (field staff). Without her moral support, I would never have come out of panic and depression. She used to call at least three times a day and enquire about my health and any other support I required. Her consoling words helped me recover well from anxiety.”
After the treatment, Meena’s husband returned home and Meena was the happiest to see him recover. But Meena didn’t stop there, after understanding the pain a family member of a COVID infected person goes through, she volunteered to offer support to such girls who were going through a similar turmoil as her.
She identified beneficiaries & families who were infected with COVID-19 and she acted as a bridge between the relief response team and the communities during the pandemic.
When asked about her reaching out to such girls, Meena says with a wide smile, “ At first I panicked and was afraid. But now, thanks to the movement, I am providing moral support to the families who are infected by COVID-19. I have also been able to provide relief support to them. I am very happy to be an encouragement in these tough times.”
Meena is grateful for the movement as it has taught her to be an agent of change.