A Helping Hand: Social Assistances Amidst COVID-19
Writer: Stella Budiman | Illustrator: Kinar Nisa
The world is coming to a standstill as the global outbreak of COVID-19 wreaks havoc on our public health, economy, and people's lives in general. Companies have started to file for bankruptcy, people are losing their jobs, while some others are losing their family to this pandemic. In times like these, where should we run to? Who do we ask for help?
Worry not, because we have compiled all the help you can get while you are in Beppu! Here is the list of all the social assistance programs available for you.
1. 100,000-yen Handout from the Government
The Japanese government has decided to provide 100,000 yen for those who reside in Japan - including foreigners. Anyone who is registered as a resident of Japan as of April 27 is eligible to apply. The application form to this financial support will be mailed to every citizen's residence. If you have a My Number Card, you are also able to apply online from the MynaPortal website.
Applying through Mail
Fill the application form and send it along with the necessary documents to the municipality where you are registered.
Necessary documents:
Identity verification documents (you can use either one of these documents):
> Copy of your residence card
> My Number card
> Driver’s license
> Health insurance card
> etc.
Documents needed to verify where the money should be transferred to (you can use either one of these documents):
> Copy of a bankbook
> Cash card
> Printed screen of an online banking service
Applying through the MynaPortal Website:
If you have a My Number Card, you can apply for this financial support at this website: https://myna.go.jp/SCK0101_01_001/SCK0101_01_001_InitDiscsys.form
For more information:
https://kyufukin.soumu.go.jp – Japanese
https://www.soumu.go.jp/main_content/000685977.pdf - Indonesian
https://www.soumu.go.jp/main_content/000685956.pdf - English
2. APU Hands’s Food Distribution
APU Hands is a group consisting of volunteers from APU faculty and the Alumni Association. This organization helps feed APU students residing in Beppu and Hiji, who need food assistance during this Coronavirus pandemic. They have been providing food relief for 263 students in total on their first batch, which started from April 28 to May 5. APU Hands is currently opening its second batch, which will end on May 16 at 11:00 AM!
Application form:
https://survey2.apu.ac.jp/limesurvey/index.php/234823?lang=ja
Things that will be provided:
2 kilograms of Rice
Sealed pouches of curry (Halal)
Milk
Instant noodles
Etc.
*Certain food items will only be offered as long as they are still in stock.
Where to receive these food items?
APU Plaza (AP House 4)
* For students who reside in AP House 1 and 2, APU Hands will contact you at a later date on how and where to receive your package.
Distribution time
Sunday, May 17th 2020
APS students whose ID number ends with an odd number: 13:00 – 13:30
APS students whose ID number ends with an even number: 13:30 – 14:00
APM students whose ID number ends with an odd number: 14:00 – 14:30
APM students whose ID number ends with an even number: 14:30 – 15:00
* You will not be able to receive food items outside the specified distribution time.
Notes:
Please bring your student ID
Please wear a mask
Avoid coming in a large group
Please be on time as you can only receive your food items within your specified time.
Please practice social distancing during the distribution.
Please bring your own bag to carry your items home.
Students living in AP Houses 1 and 2 will receive their food items outside of the times listed above.
Please complete the questionnaire to continue supporting students’ needs.
Learn more about APU Hands and its activities:
https://www.facebook.com/APU-Hands-104539751246875/
3. Free Meals from Purunima
Most restaurants all around the world are currently facing a hard time as an impact from this Coronavirus, and yet, Purunima, a restaurant specialized in Indian cuisines, decided to give back to the community. Being one of Beppu's beloved restaurants, Purunima has stepped up their game by not only giving their customers a 10% discount on all of their menus but also giving free meals to those who are in dire need for food.
For further information:
Business hours: 11:00 - 20:00
Telephone: 0977-21-2558 ; 080-4749-1987 (Keshav)
Website: www.purunima.jp
Facebook: PURUNIMA プルニマ
We would like to thank every organization, restaurant, the government, and everyone who have gone above and beyond in helping our community during this global pandemic. We would also like to thank the heroes who are currently battling Coronavirus tirelessly on the front line. They have done their duty to give back to the community, and now it’s your turn to stay at home, wash your hands, and practice social distancing as a token of appreciation for them!