RAGBRAI has been cancelled for the first time since 1973, but that's not stopping us from "riding remotely". We are planning to bike 420 miles throughout the next month to raise funds for ChildVoice, and we would love for you to partner with us! Everything has looked differently than expected in 2020 and the same has been true for ChildVoice.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to present refugee and internally displaced persons populations in both Uganda and Nigeria with escalating hardships, including hunger, shortages of basic hygiene products, and a lack of access to proper medical care. Curfews and travel restrictions are being strictly enforced resulting in higher levels of police brutality. Because of mandatory lockdowns, ChildVoice students have been forced to return home, and life has been increasingly difficult with no end in sight. The situation is dire.
While the impact of COVID-19 has been devastating in both countries and has changed how we are able to work, it has not changed what we do. Our staff are working overtime to provide every bit of much-needed emotional support that they can, as well as making sure our former and current students have the food, hygiene products, and medical care they require. Many have lost jobs or businesses requiring them to deplete their savings to avoid hunger.
In the midst of the questions and overwhelming uncertainties in Africa, one student shared, "We are so grateful to the ChildVoice team for continuing to work with us. We are also very thankful to the donors who live so far away and have their own problems during this pandemic, but still think of us. We are praying that God will keep them safe and free from the coronavirus."
We need your help in this time to continue these efforts! Thank you so much for sponsoring one of our riders.