Covid – 19 Information

In this period of confinement linked to the global COVID-19 epidemic, all Fidesco employees remain mobilized in the service of volunteers in the field. Here are some answers to the questions you may be asking yourself.

Are volunteers continuing their mission?

All our volunteers have a contract with the French government. In consultation with the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, as well as with all the organizations sending international solidarity volunteers, and with our partners in the field, we have kept – except in special cases – our volunteers at their place of mission.

Nevertheless, we still evaluate with each individual volunteer, to adjust this general measure to each situation, depending on the state of health of the volunteer and the potential risks, the progress of the epidemic in their country of mission, and local capacities to deal with a health emergency.

How is Fidesco coping with the current global crisis and its evolution?

Fidesco set up a crisis unit at the start of the crisis, to analyze each situation and to support volunteers on missions around the world.

With great concern for each volunteer and their children in the field, we are monitoring this situation very closely. It is different in each country. We are always in very close contact with the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Ministry’s crisis and support center and the local French Embassies.

How are volunteers dealing with the crisis on the ground?

The needs on the ground and the development projects are still immense, and our volunteers continue to support them: the mission continues. However, we called on the volunteers to exercise special health vigilance in this risky situation, to very strictly respect both the instructions of each country, and also the social distancing measures, which would not be required locally. Be certain that we are in close contact with each volunteer and constantly watching.

Are Fidesco meetings and sessions maintained?

Due to confinement, all meetings and sessions, as well as interviews, are adapted to current constraints. However, as the needs are still immense in the field, recruitment continues. We ran one virtual discernment meeting and will host an in person discernment session then a separate send-off training session in France this July.

Is the Fidesco team still available?

All Fidesco employees remain mobilized in telework, respecting the confinement instructions. The offices are beginning to reopen and everyone can be reached by email or by phone. For any request, send an email to: info@fidescousa.org