TeamPankaj is a Nairobi-based COVID-19 relief initiative founded and led entirely by volunteers. The initiative was started by Kenyan entrepreneur, Pankaj Shah, on 22nd March 2020 out of a personal desire to alleviate the suffering experienced by populations living in Nairobi’s slums as a result of the virus’ impact. His relief effort grew rapidly and organically to encompass hundreds of volunteers motivated out of a similar desire to help those less fortunate. Bolstered by the generosity of corporations and individuals, both locally and in the diaspora, and unfettered by allegiances to race, creed or politics, TeamPankaj has risen to become the largest food donation drive in the country during the COVID-19 pandemic.
How We Do It
Cash donations are collected through MPESA, while donations in-kind are channeled to the procurement team. Items are packaged into hampers and loaded onto trucks for distribution within slums. In collaboration with local chiefs and community leaders, and with the approval of the COVID Response Task Force appointed by the Government of Kenya, hampers are distributed from secured venues to vulnerable beneficiaries. Particular attention is given to the elderly and disabled, and to children’s homes.
What We Do
TeamPankaj distributes survival hampers to vulnerable people across all of Nairobi’s slums. Each hamper, valued at KES 1500 (USD 15), contains enough food to feed a family of four for two weeks, in addition to essential sanitary products for healthful lifestyles. Food items include cooking essentials, such as cooking fat, sugar and salt; staples, including maize meal and flour, and a variety of grains. Hygiene products include facemasks, soap for both hands and clothes, and sanitary pads. Supplies are contingent on donations. When possible, hampers also include items to make life more enjoyable, such as tea, hot chocolate and sweets because we know that maintaining morale is essential to surviving unprecedented challenges.
In addition to the donations, TeamPankaj understands the need for gainful employment as the economy reels from lockdowns and curfews. As a result, the team employs and equips youth across slums for clean-up operations. This effort serves to generate much needed income in the communities, in addition to improving hygiene conditions and, as a result, health outcomes.
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