As COVID-19 has rapidly spread worldwide, healthcare workers and first responders have stood on the frontlines, dedicated to mitigating this pandemic. From nurses to firefighters to delivery workers, these essential employees continue to work during the health crisis, providing for their communities. Yet one major issue remains: these workers are unable to protect themselves. Since the start of the coronavirus outbreak, shortages of personal protective equipment, or PPE, have posed a threat to the combatment of the virus.
Once the effects of coronavirus became more of a tangible threat for Americans nationwide, many new relief groups, such as Masks4Medics, a high school student-run initiative, were formed with a simple, yet effective goal of providing masks for local hospitals and community members. Working under the Friends of the Foster City Library, youth members Harbani Jaggi, Sevina Nanda, Mishal Rahman, Amarine Gerber and Roberto Sapienza came together to lead the subset initiative, where they utilize various skills in marketing and management to mobilize local communities against COVID-19.
“Our goal is ultimately to help as many people as we can, reach as many healthcare workers as possible and just allow it to grow,” said Aragon junior Harbani Jaggi, a co-founder Masks4Medics.
Masks4Medics initially targeted Bay Area communities, but quickly expanded due to the large demand for supplies and the growing desire of neighboring regions to help out. With an unexpected growth in mobilized communities, the nationwide initiative became international, practically overnight, and they now have chapters in France, Spain, India and more.
“We want to help as many people as we can. As [Masks4Medics has] gone worldwide, the biggest challenge [is] working around different cultures, communities and practices [in order] to help as many people as we can,” Jaggi said.
They have accumulated over 1,000 masks thus far, and through continued support, the numbers keep rising. Such communities have responded positively to the organization’s initiative, as a unified front is vital towards their success.
“I think people are really happy to see that the youth are engaging in community projects to help other people. Especially in this time, we just need to support each other,” said Hillsdale junior Amarine Gerber.
While the global initiative has gained momentum quickly, these young leaders have had to overcome many obstacles. Ranging from different cultures to safety regulations to gaining attention, the road to success has been far from simple. Due to such differences, the way in which the demand for masks is met differs: in Europe, monetary donations are exchanged online, whereas in crowded, developing nations, the initiative focuses on education rather than mass producing masks.
Hillsdale junior Sevina Nanda uses her social media influence and connections to frontline responders to help spread the word about Masks4Medics, but it still takes a lot more than a like and comment to actually create change.
“Social media has helped because we haven’t had the opportunity to get coverage from news stations. … [However,] with most of our followers being teenagers, they can repost it, [but] they’re not going to act on it, [which has been] pretty hard,” Nanda said.
While the majority of the world is at home, binging Netflix shows or scrolling through TikTok, these students demonstrate how teenagers can make an impact with a mission and a will to do so.
“I just want [future generations] to see that a group of teenagers could make a difference. … During COVID-19, instead of sitting on [our butts] we’re trying to make a difference in the world and … take some ease off of all the pressures,” Nanda said.
Masks4Medics attempts to reach large audiences, yet they too, experience mass reluctance and difficulty when striving to mend the disconnect between the different generations.
“As [youth], it’s really common to experience distrust. When you’re older, it’s easy to look down on other people and [think] they’re not gonna make a difference, and what they’re doing doesn’t really matter. But in the end, what’s really cool is you’re able to prove them wrong. You’re able to overcome that stereotype,” Gerber said.
While backlash is not uncommon, Masks4Medics strives to increase their impact at home and abroad, emphasizing the importance of education and following health and safety protocols. With a desire to do good, the students continue to reach out and kick start a boomerang effect of positive change.
“I would want people [in the future], looking back at this time, to know that you can make a difference. It’s such a cliche, [but] you can do a little bit if you are passionate about it and you know that you can do it,” said Hillsdale junior Mishal Rahman.
With the future remaining uncertain, the students continue to fight for their cause, constantly adjusting and reevaluating their goals for the initiative. Masks4Medics remains hopeful, knowing that they have been a part of the positive change the world so desperately needs right now.
