With social distancing restrictions in place because of the COVID-19 pandemic, ChildFund Pass It Back coaches in Laos have had to suspend their training sessions and games.

However, they are continuing to play leadership roles in their communities by helping to distribute brochures on how to stay safe from the COVID-19 virus, as well as supplies such as soap and handwashing gels to schools and village offices.

Malon, age 16, says: “We need to know how to prevent the virus from spreading through methods like washing our hands with soap or using handwash gels every time before eating or after touching anything.

“We need to wash our hands properly and avoid touching our eyes, nose, and mouth. It’s also important to stay home.”

Seventeen-year-old Phonevimon (pictured above) is concerned about vulnerable people such as children and the elderly population. She says: “COVID-19 is spreading. Wash your hands to stop this virus.”

ChildFund Pass It Back Coaches, including those with the Lao Rugby Federation, are also using their networks to ensure that everyone understands how to keep themselves and their communities safe and healthy during the COVID-19 emergency.

Thanks to the work of ChildFund Pass It Back coaches, food delivery drivers in Vientiane have access to vital health information to keep themselves and their customers from safe from COVID-19.

Working in partnership with the Ministry of Health, hygiene products and information are being distributed to rural villages and health centres, and in the country’s capital of Vientiane.

Through their involvement in ChildFund’s Sport for Development activities, these individuals have built strong relationships across their communities.

Now, they can activate these connections to ensure that vital and life-saving information is shared during such a challenging time.