We Are the World BlogFest (#WATWB) celebrates special people and small stories of inspiration and hope in the world. Let’s face it, we need some inspiration and hope during this time of pandemic and social distancing. I am now officially in lock-down with my children here in the UK, since all the schools closed last week, and we don’t know when they will reopen. We are prepared for this to last until September, but for now we estimate twelve weeks, in the hopes that we might resume at least the tail-end of school summer term. In just a few days my elder daughter (aged 9) has discovered the joy of video calling and has managed to speak with some friends from school. Our dance teacher is planning to run online classes using video technology, which will hopefully keep up some of a sense of routine. And our local Girlguiding coordinator for Rainbows (girls aged 5-7) is posting regular videos in our private Facebook group, offering activities that the children can do at home.

My town has organised a Covid-19 support group and already has a wide network of volunteers enabled that can deliver food and medicines to vulnerable people in the community. I haven’t volunteered for this, but I have made it known that I can help friends, neighbours and family where necessary. For now I am at home mostly alone with the children and a high-maintenance dog, so all my energy is focused on them. Our dog is a rescue, and he’s only been with us for four months. His current trick is to escape from the garden at every available opportunity, so we have spent a fortune reinforcing the fences and we watch him closely. He is now known as “Houdini-dog!” I plan to try and post amusing and uplifting blog posts in the coming weeks, my small attempt at lightening the mood during these uncertain times. Stay safe, my friends, and keep your distance!

We are the World BlogFest (#WATWB) focuses on positive stories no matter where they’re found. It is all about spreading peace and humanity on social media. All participants post on the last Friday of the month, sharing a positive news story that contributes to making our world a happier, safer, and better place to live.

Here are your hosts this month:

Sylvia McGrath,
Damyanti Biswas,
Dan Antion,
Shilpa Garg,
and Belinda Witzenhausen

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