Update 9/2021

On June 6, 2021 the government of Uganda issued another lockdown due to rising covid cases and increased hospitalizations from the delta variant. After canceling the plans for our family to work in Uganda this summer, we met with Pastor David and our other partners to talk about next steps for community support during the lockdown.

The initial concern was with access to food. When we left Uganda in March of 2020, the village and surrounding community struggled with food security for a number of months so we were concerned if this would happen again. The most vulnerable families were provided with food (maize flour) through Pastor David's outreach team in June. The next pressing need was access to oxygen tanks for the local hospital. The Advisory team was able to secure 3 oxygen tanks for the local hospital that will be able to be refilled as needed throughout the pandemic and beyond.

The lockdown was set to last 6 weeks, and as of today (September 5) lockdown regulations remain in effect. This means that regular transportation services, church gatherings and schools, are still closed. In July, we were able to brainstorm ideas with Pastor David and his school administration for ideas to continue learning in the home environment. Home learning packets were purchased and the students all came to school to pick up their packets and receive instruction on materials. Teachers have been traveling to visit students and supervise their work at home during the month of August and will continue their work to support home learning until the lockdown guidance changes. We are so grateful of the work of the teachers and staff of Divine Wisdom Jr School to serve the Kiwungu village and community during the pandemic.