• 

• 

• 

• 

During the past few weeks of worldwide change from the spread of COVID-19, SEEDS partners at a nonprofit foundation in Indonesia have distributed food supplies to poor families. Many in the country are struggling to survive in midst of economic hardship related to virus response measures.

A lady who helped with the distribution said of a mother, when they arrived at her family’s home: “She cried, and was touched as we brought the donations for her and her daughter. Her daughter wished for chicken but they had no money to buy. They were so happy when we brought the chicken.” The mother hugged and kissed the SEEDS partner to thank the foundation. “First I wanted to reject it,” she said, because the virus risk was uncertain: “But then, I hugged her again.”

The food distribution was possible, in part, through charitable contributions that SEEDS supporters specifically designated for COVID-19 relief. On many occasions SEEDS workers have partnered with Southeast Asian communities in highly specialized ways—education, research, healthcare, economic development. During the crisis, though, one very important way to help has been simply to give families food they need.

• 

• 

• 

It’s hard to overestimate the positive impact of sports on young people.  Sports impact youth cognitively, emotionally, socially, and physically.  Through participation on a safe and healthy team, youth learn life skills and develop character traits that will assist them when dealing with challenging seasons of life in an urban environment.  Over many months, team members also grow in decision making skills, goal setting, self-confidence, and leadership. 

SEEDs members in Thailand continue to invest in local leaders and local initiatives which will develop youth through sports.   Although the heart of sports training happens on the local futsal pitch, the wider network is an important place for training in larger groups, for strengthening inter-neighborhood relationships, and for building excitement among teams. 

Over the past several months the local futsal network that SEEDS organized several years ago came together to host its sixth annual futsal league.  Six neighborhoods contributed their assets of people, places, relationships, and skills to make the league possible.  Drawing on several years of experience, the SEEDS volunteers and local coaches worked together to create an ID system to ensure that only registered players were allowed on the field.  This innovative solution helped boost trust between coaches and players.

During the one month futsal league, the boys played four out of five rounds in two age divisions using a single round-robin format.  The fifth and final week of the league was canceled because of the Covid-19 pandemic.  The final round will be played when government restrictions are gradually eased toward the end of the year.   No one will forget–the teams with the most points in their division are still awaiting their trophies!