Dear Supporter,
I am writing this message from my kitchen table having taken the decision to ask the Ethiopiaid team to work from home.
Coronavirus is a very serious threat to us all – impacting upon our small team here at Ethiopiaid, you our donors, and our partners in Ethiopia. Just today I learned that Ethiopia have closed schools and are placing restrictions across the country. In a country with no access to good healthcare and so many people living in poverty, this is a worrying time. For our partners this means that vulnerable beneficiaries will feel the impact of this crisis the most.
This morning I spent some time talking with Ephrem Abraham, Director of Hospice Ethiopia, who told me that, whilst they have cancelled all day centre activities, his team have taken the decision to continue with their community programme. Hospice Ethiopia work with people who are at the end of life and living in destitution. Without the support of Hospice Ethiopia their pain would not be managed, their wounds untended, and they would be alone and isolated. Ephrem told me that his team are determined to continue their important work despite the risks to their own health. This is just one example of the dedication shown by the partners we work with in Ethiopia.
Whilst we are in this time of uncertainty, we are doing all we can to ensure it is business as usual for Ethiopiaid and that our partners in Ethiopia have the funding they need to continue their work. This may mean that at times it takes a little longer for us to respond to your emails and letters, or to process and thank you for your generous donations. We hope you will understand and we appreciate your patience.
It is a time of great uncertainty for us all and we hope that you and your loved ones will stay safe and well over the coming weeks and months.
