Moving Forward . . .
The uncertainty caused by the corona virus continues but we are pleased to see countries gradually moving towards reopening schools. Most of the countries we work in in Africa are trying to get schools running by the end of June. In South Africa some grades return on June 1 and in Uganda classes for some grades are scheduled to start up on June 4, although reports today say the minister responsible for education in Uganda has asked for a delay in the process while they develop protocols and regulations. Increased movement of people is now allowed and building projects can get underway.
Here is an update on the needs and plans we shared last month:
- The installation of the portable classroom at Attie van Wyk school in Cape Town, South Africa is moving ahead well and the classroom should be ready for use by mid-June.
- The contracts have been formalized and carpenters are now busy at work making desks for over 400 students in Uganda.
- The budget for the completion of a three-classroom block at New Covenant school, Bwera, Uganda is being finalize. We are not sure when work can start as Bwera is a border town close to DRC and transportation restrictions have not yet been fully lifted in the Ugandan border districts.
- We are pleased that funds have now been committed for the completion of the administration/classroom block at Cornerstone High School, for a three-classroom block at Hope Junior Christian School and for the completion of the nursery block at Naugalo Junior Academy, all in Uganda.
We continue to work to secure funding for the other projects identified in last month’s report and to address the needs of several other schools in Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, Zambia and DRC.
We are grateful for the donors who have stepped forward and shown their commitment to making a difference in the lives of children in needy communities in Africa. The needs are great and we look forward to sharing more good news in the coming months. Keep safe, everyone!