By Konjit Yimer | Managing Director
The first three months of 2020 have been bright for BHE students. They concluded their first academic semester with three of our students earning outstanding achievements. BHE currently has 19 children in primary school, 9 in secondary school, 2 in vocational education and 6 youth in higher education.
At the start of the year, BHE joyously celebrated Ethiopian Christmas and Epiphany with the children and guardians. We provided each family with a chicken and ten eggs for each occasion so the children and their families do not miss out on the festivities. During the recent school break the children enjoyed their time at the drop in center doing various educational and fun activities.
With three of our youth graduating from university last year, we now have a total of eight youth completing their transition period in the program and graduating from BHE this year as self-reliant adults. We are proud that these youth have come a long way from their hardships and now have the education and skills to support themselves and their future.
For International Women’s Day held March 8, we celebrated our female university graduates who are exemplary for the younger students especially girls in our program. Despite losing both parents and facing several hardships, five of our female graduates worked their way to success and self-reliance. Please read about their journey on our blog here.
The global spread of COVID-19 has become an increasing concern for everyone. With the first case of the Coronavirus confirmed in Ethiopia on March 13, the government has since taken action to close schools temporarily to slow the spread. In line with this, BHE has suspended tutorials and other sessions at the drop in center after giving awareness sessions on the virus and protection methods.
BHE has also put in place measures to help families cope during this time including providing them with grocery essentials. We did this so that children continue to get their daily meals while some goods may become overpriced or out of the market due to the impact of COVID-19.
We are greatly concerned how the virus will affect the most vulnerable in our society and in our program as we have a number of children and guardians with pre-existing conditions. Thus we are trying our best to raise awareness on protection and safety for all. Everyone is in our thoughts and prayers as we try to navigate and find the best way to support the children and families in these difficult times. We will keep you updated on our work.
Please join us in spreading awareness about COVID-19 to help reduce the spread and exposure to vulnerable people. Wash hands with soap, stay home or away from public gatherings as much as possible, cover your nose and mouth if you cough or sneeze and follow reliable protection advice. As always, thank you for your kind support to our program and please stay safe!
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