Coronavirus: OUR Response to ONGOING Developments
April 8, 2020
Fear breeds uncertainty. No one knows this better than the war-affected adolescent girls we are blessed to serve. At ChildVoice, we have become all too familiar with unexpected challenges, and yet, we have always managed to find a way over, under, or around such obstacles. In that sense, the current COVID-19 pandemic is no different than prior challenges we’ve faced. So, as we face our own uncertainties amid this crisis, it is fitting that we can look to these resilient young women we serve as exemplars of grace. And perhaps, in some small way, we have the opportunity to get a clearer sense of the troubles they have faced and are working so hard to overcome.
In compliance with a countrywide mandate to close schools and ban public gatherings issued by the Ugandan government this week to address the COVID-19 pandemic, ChildVoice is temporarily putting on-site/in-person programming on hold for the next 30 days in Uganda. Because we care deeply about the welfare of the war-affected adolescent girls and children we work with, as well as their families and communities, this is not just a matter of compliance. Protecting them while helping to minimize the spread of the novel coronavirus is, above all else, the responsible thing to do.
During the 30-day period, the Lukome Center will remain operational. Staff will continue to maintain the facility, while students will return home. During this time, we will provide ongoing support to students remotely via phone. At Imvepi Refugee Settlement, while programming has likewise been put on hold for 30 days, we will continue to manage the Protection House for victims of human trafficking. All of the girls we serve will be able to reach a staff member in case of emergencies. We look forward to a joyful resumption of programming at the end of this mandated social distancing period!
The Nigerian government has not yet issued any social distancing or closure orders. Should they choose to do so, our Nigeria staff will readily comply. In the meantime, they will continue normal operations to the best of their ability.
Sufficient funding is absolutely vital for us to remain operational. There is no small irony in the fact that at this time, the South Sudanese refugee population at Imvepi continues to grow at a rate of as many as 100 people per day -- and the need to provide them with life-changing services is growing in kind. Our Spring Appeal has just started. For the next few weeks, every dollar that you give will be matched until we reach $50,000. If you’re struggling financially because of the COVID-19 crisis or any other reason, please do not feel pressured to give. If, however, you are blessed with financial abundance despite these current events, I would ask that you consider making a donation to ChildVoice.
Thank you for being a force for good!
Conrad Mandsager
President and CEO of ChildVoice
For updates on how the pandemic has been affecting the adolescent girls and boys we serve—how our teams in Uganda and Nigeria are responding—please read our Situation Reports.