Photo Friday: Our top 5 “back-to-normal” photos!

Welcome to Photo Friday! Each Friday, we share photo collections of our absolute favourite shots from our sponsor sites around the world.

As the coronavirus lock down continues around the world, many of us are looking forward to a time when it’s safe to participate in our favourite “normal” activities. This week, we’re sharing our top 5 “back-to-normal” photos, depicting some ordinary things we just can’t wait to see or do when it’s safe!

#5: Enjoy a meal with friends!

Humans are social creatures, and eating meals together is integrated into our societies. Due to pandemic restrictions, however, millions of people are currently unable to gather in groups or in public to enjoy eating together. At our Samar site in the Philippines, children usually eat their daily school lunch with their classmates. Like many of us, we’re sure they’re looking forward to enjoying a lively group meal with their friends again!

#4: Get a shave or a haircut!

2020 is the year of long hair and full beards! After COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, we’re sure getting a haircut or nice shave is at the top of many people’s lists. On one of our trips to India, we captured this lovely photo of an elder being treated to a gentle shave and haircut.

#3: Give a nice, warm hug!

Hugging releases oxytocin, which makes us happy and full of energy. Since the pandemic began, it’s been a huge change for many of us to forgo hugging or sitting close to our loved ones.

Sr. Miguela runs the Open Centre at our CMAVIL site in Paraguay. Every day, even on school holidays, she makes sure the children have a place to go to play, do their homework, have a shower, and get a warm lunch and healthy snacks. She, along with the other Sisters and parent volunteers, also ensure that the children get their daily dose of hugs in. We’re sure they can’t wait to give out some big hugs again!

#2: Reopen small businesses!

Small businesses such as clothing and food stands are a main source of income for many families at our sponsor sites. Madame Monestime sells shoes from her market stall in Terrier-Rouge, Haiti. This income, along with sponsorship, allows her to send her daughter to school. Social distancing measures have allowed many market stands in Haiti to stay open during the pandemic, but income and traffic has been greatly reduced. Families are looking forward to fully reopening their businesses when it’s safe to do so!

#1: Get kids back in the classroom!

Education is at the heart of our mission; 99.6 per cent of all sponsored children are enrolled in school or other equivalent program. Thanks to kind donors, these students from our Mbinga site in Tanzania received books for their school! We can’t wait to see them return to class and put the books to good use.

Follow Chalice on Facebook and Instagram for daily updates from our sponsor sites, impact stories, and more! Be sure to check back next week for another Photo Friday.