You might be aware that following confirmed cases of the COVID-19 Coronavirus in Kenya the government has taken steps to close all schools to help control its spread.
Our team is in discussions with headteachers to establish how we can continue to support our partner schools and their pupils through this difficult time. This includes finding ways to ensure that children continue to receive the benefit of the food that we provide for a lunchtime meal, including that which had already been delivered for the remainder of this term.
For the moment, we are continuing with our building projects as planned, albeit we will be introducing a number of protocols based on government advice intended to ensure the welfare and well-being of our workforce. Furthermore, we will also be putting in place measures to protect our staff on the ground in Kenya including restrictions on the use of public transport.
At the moment, we do not believe it is in the best interests of our schools, their pupils and those who have come to rely on us in other ways, that we suspend our operations entirely at a time when they may need us more than ever, however this decision will be subject to constant review as the situation develops and in line with government advice.
The next few months will undoubtedly be extremely challenging on the fundraising front as we are forced to postpone our own activities, including our inaugural Golf Day in April, whilst others in which we had fundraisers participating (including the London Marathon, Brighton Marathon and RideLondon) have been rescheduled for later in the year or are at risk.
However we have taken steps over the last few years to diversify our income so that we are not overly reliant on any one source and like any prudent charity we have built up some reserves to help us survive periods of lower than expected income. That said, this is a completely unprecedented situation which will require us to work harder than ever to carefully manage our limited resources over the coming weeks and months.
Whilst the majority of us in the UK are forced to work from home and take part in a period of social distancing, perhaps you could use the unexpected free time to help us in some way? – we would be delighted to hear from you with any ideas or offers of support you may have!
Undoubtedly, the next weeks and months will be extremely challenging for us all in one way or another as we come to terms with and adjust to new ways of living. We thank you in advance for your patience, understanding and goodwill and wish you and your family good health in the face of this pandemic.
If you have any questions, concerns or messages of support then please do not hesitate to reach out to us!