The COVID-19 pandemic has obviously had a tremendous impact on the Sister Schools program. School closures in Western Washington and in Uganda called a halt to our usual programming of supply drives, distribution trips, and presentations. But we still believe that compassion, service, and social responsibility are vitally important lessons for children and young adults, especially in the midst of a pandemic.
COVID-19 has forced a massive shift in programming here at Sister Schools. We are looking forward to a future that returns us to supply drives, container shipments, and distribution tours. We have also been reckoning with the reality of life under lockdown in Uganda. Coronavirus lockdowns have only exacerbated conditions that force students out of schools.
Donations made during our 2020 Virtual Gala funded interventions in Uganda that will allow students to safely return to school. One intervention provided fifteen single mothers at our partner, Ray of Hope Ministry, with micro-grants. During lockdowns, they were forced to spend capital for their businesses on food for their children and were unable to reopen without assistance. Not only did you reopen each of their businesses, but you provided each family with10 kg of posho, 5 kg of rice, salt, cooking oil, and a bar of soap!
Lydia Katushabe is a single mother of two. Her children are enrolled at Ray of Hope’s Primary School. Before COVID-19, she washed clothes for other household in surrounding neighborhoods. Thanks to you, she can once again provide food, education materials, and clothes for her children.
Hear Lydia say thank you herself!
