The COVID-19 virus has affected us all, in varying ways, and to different degrees. Throughout this global fight, we have seen that it does not discriminate, reminding us that we are all in this together. I would argue, however, that the virus does not impact us all equally. In places where malnutrition and disease run rampant, where medical systems are fragile and under-resourced, where food resources have less reserve, and where preventative measures such as social distancing are nearly impossible, the risk is high. I think it is fair to suggest that this pandemic will likely greatly increase global poverty, setting us back years, if not decades, in our fight against poverty. This will, naturally, lead to a decline in access to resources and care among underserved populations. As a result, the need for our work in Ethiopia is only going to be more imperative in the years ahead.
As an organization, we have been very concerned about staying true to our mission — that being, to provide medical care to the poorest and most vulnerable children in Ethiopia. However, COVID has forced us to pivot our focus during this time, and I am convinced that this was the right thing to do. Access to food has become one of our primary concerns. The children at RAEY typically receive the majority of their daily food supply while at school. However, with the schools closed, this model has been disrupted. The directors and staff at the school are currently supplying food to families on a weekly basis, and we are committed to helping financially to the best of our ability for the foreseeable future. We currently have been able to help supply food to 263 families — which is amazing! What a difference this is making, especially when you consider that most of these families truly survive day to day.
Amidst this pivot, we remain steadfast in our commitment to our mission and to the children at RAEY. We believe that all children should have equal access to quality medical care and are resolute in doing our part. COVID had created many challenges, however, including the need for us to adjust not only our priorities but also our timeline. Our first medical team will now be traveling in April of 2021 rather than October of 2020. Furthermore, the hiring of our first school nurse has been postponed to 2021. Many uncertainties remain, but we are so thankful for our partnership with RAEY. Additionally, we know that each of these aspects of our organization will occur in due time. As one friend recently told me, sometimes the greatest happenings occur within the subplots of a story.
Everyone’s situation is different right now. We see this amidst our own team. Some of us are dealing with the stress of high risk of exposure to COVID while others are really feeling the financial strain of the current situation. That being said, this isn’t a great time for some of you to give financially. For others, you may have some financial surplus. If you would like to partner with us, we would be thrilled. You can easily do so through our website. Thank you for your investment in our work. We are so very grateful!
In Him,
Anita Charles