Delivery of tablet devices to the vulnerable in Serbia

One infected person could endanger many, especially in a limited space with many people in it. Following the precautionary measures of physical distancing during the COVID19, the need for alternative communication channels not only for the businesses but in our everyday lives has emerged. Especially in the lives of those vulnerable and susceptible to marginalization like prisoners or people with disabilities. Their social interaction is critical for their mental health and overall wellbeing.

Help has in cooperation with the local partners and institutions identified the most vulnerable to have received the tablet devices. Thus, the need to stay physically distanced and yet to preserve communication has been balanced.

The tablets are being used for video communication with the family members while being safe at the distance and risk-free from contracting the virus.

At the same time, the tablet devices make a great tool for the 34 families of children with an autism spectrum disorder not only for communication with the family members but also with the teachers, online workshops and advisors, counselling and various tutors during the corona time or other inconvenient period. Parents of children with an autism spectrum disorder, members of the City Association for support to persons with autism Nis, were relieved with this type of assistance in time of crisis for all.

The tablet devices were delivered to the 17 institutions among other prisons, schools, an association of disabled, elderly care homes and hospital wards in Serbia. The 60 devices with 20GB monthly prepaid internet for the next two years, of 15,300 EUR, were provided as COVID-19 response through Help’ project “Support to socio-economic stability in the Western Balkans 2019-2020” funded within German Development Cooperation.