2nd Annual Virtual Week Recap
June 21 - 25, we hosted our second annual Virtual Awareness Week for Action In Africa. At the start of planning for the event, we hoped to fundraise $10,000 for a 3-month in-person education program for primary students moving into secondary to address the risk of students continuing to fall behind after 1.5 years of missed schooling due to COVID-19 lockdown. Our plans however, were derailed as with a surge in COVID-19 cases, and with only 2% of the population vaccinated, President Museveni ordered that Uganda go into another 42-day lockdown, including the closure of schools and community centers like ours.
With a rising number of infections within the classroom, this means that we had to pivot - again. Our hearts are heavy knowing that students once again face prolonged school closures.
With the new focus on COVID-19 relief, we were able to host 8 phenomenal virtual classes with 8 remarkable teachers and 70+ people who tuned in for a class during last week's virtual awareness week. Together we were able to raise $10,221.63, passing our $10,000 goal! Thank you so much to all the teachers, participants and donors for helping us reach our goal.
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 situation in Uganda is still dire. The country is in the midst of a 42-day lockdown which we believe will be extended into the coming weeks and maybe even months. With only 2% of the population vaccinated COVID-19 deaths are on the rise in the Nakuwadde area. We're working to support the community with Quarantine Kits, much like last year, but the needs are great and we can't do it alone.
A quarantine kit includes food, soap, beans, cooking oil, and enough emergency supplies to sustain a family of 4-6 people for 2 weeks. With the $10,000 we raised, AIA can donate 285 quarantine kits. We've already distributed 53 and the requests keep coming in from vulnerable families. Last year we provided over 400 kits and anticipate the need to be far greater this time around.
If you weren't able to participate last week we humbly ask you to consider making a donation, of any amount, to help us support the Nakuwadde community through this difficult time.
We are fortunate that for many of us here in the states, the pandemic is beginning to feel like a thing of the past. Sadly this isn't the case for others in our global community. We can't thank you enough for your consideration as we try to balance our gratitude for our own circumstances with the harsh reality in our beloved Nakuwadde community.
Favorite Pictures From The Week
