GOAL shows off dance skills in message of hope during COVID-19

Irish humanitarian aid agency GOAL has joined people across the world in moving to the beat of the Jerusalema Dance Challenge which is bringing a message of joy and hope during these challenging times.

GOAL is challenging individuals, businesses, dance groups and anybody with rhythm to take part in the #GOALJerusalemaDanceChallenge. People are encouraged to upload their own videos and donate to GOAL’s efforts to help the world’s most vulnerable communities.

GOAL teams in other countries are also taking part to rival to rival their colleagues in Zimbabwe, and Irish businesses are being encouraged to do the same and see which team members of staff have the best moves.

The challenge began in early 2020 in Angola when four men and two women showed off their moves during lockdown. It has since gone viral and reached number one in several European countries.

As Ireland heads into Level five COVID-19 restrictions and people are confined to their homes, GOAL hopes that the challenge will be a way to keep fit and have some fun with family, friends and colleagues.

The video below was produced by GOAL Zimbabwe in six different locations. Director Gabriella Prandini described it as “a dun way of bringing the team together whilst Covid keeps them apart.”

“GOAL’s staff in Zimbabwe have been working day in, day out often having to leave their families behind to operate in the field. This was the perfect opportunity to bring a little hope and joy back into our lives”.

“By getting our team to do something fun it reminded us all that we have got through this most challenging year,” she added. “It allowed us to be find joy and be carefree, even just for a few minutes.”

Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, GOAL has directly reached over 2.4 million people in Zimbabwe with Covid related messaging. Local radio broadcasts and mobile vans are some of the techniques used to inform the public of how to stay safe during this crisis.

As a result of such efforts, Zimbabwe to date has seen just over 8,000 cases of the virus.