Dear Friends,
Without a doubt, these are unprecedented days. With the ongoing spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) both here and around the world and the incredible speed at which things are changing around us, we are all having to adapt quickly to the current reality. First and foremost, our hearts are with all those here in the U.S. and around the world who have become ill with the virus, and we grieve with those who are grieving the loss of loved ones here and abroad. Know, too, that our hearts are with all of you, our donors and friends. We know your lives are also being impacted in significant ways. We pray all of you and your families will remain healthy and safe!
As an international organization, we are closely monitoring the impact and spread of COVID-19 both here in the U.S. and in Rwanda. The first confirmed case of COVID-19 was reported in Rwanda
on Friday, March 10. As of yesterday, March 23, there were 19 confirmed cases. The Ministry of Health has taken quick action similar to what has been happening here in the US. All schools and universities have been closed and students sent home. A strict “shelter in place” policy, enforced by the national police, has also been implemented; and all flights in and out of Rwanda have been suspended for the next 30 days.
In addition, here are the actions we have taken as These Numbers Have Faces:
- We have asked both our Portland and Rwandan staff to work remotely from home for the foreseeable future.
- We have cancelled our monthly Leadership Development Workshop, Girls Night, and Bro Chat for March. We do not normally meet in April because of Genocide Remembrance. Hopefully, we can resume in May, but we will reevaluate as we get closer to May.
- We are postponing our Spring Fundraising Campaign scheduled to start April 1. Although we certainly still need your encouragement and financial support, we just do not think this is the right time to be doing formal fundraising. Your families and other near-term priorities created by this COVID-19 pandemic should be the center of your attention right now. We hope to launch our Spring Campaign on May 1, but will reevaluate as we get closer to May.
- Also, because of the “Stay Home; Stay Healthy” policies now mandated here in Oregon, we are postponing the implementation of several Point of Entry events designed to introduce new people to our work as These Numbers Have Faces.
- We are also moving to digital thank you notes to our donors. As much as we love sending you hand-written notes, we believe sending digital thank you notes is another way we can work to protect our donors and friends from potential exposure through hard mail.
- We are encouraging you, our donors and friends, to get on our website and send a message to our students. Their universities have closed; they have been sent home; and they are experiencing the same social distancing and isolation we are experiencing here. Please be an encourager to them!
To be sure, we are all being impacted by COVID-19, but know that, in these times of challenge, we are dedicated to our work
together and committed to our students and alumni. Thank you for your continued encouragement and support!
Sincerely,