As the novel coronavirus has swept the globe, the work that we are doing has become more important than ever, and your support is directly helping vulnerable children and families in the face of this pandemic.

We are continually reflecting on how our partners and projects are being impacted by COVID-19, and we will share those updates below. We’ve also recognized the need to act with urgency to support organizations who are helping those most affected by the coronavirus due to self-isolation and social distancing measures which is why Young Living donated $233,767 to the Meals on Wheels Response Fund. To provide additional COVID-19 response support, we will also be making a contribution to an organization working with vulnerable populations worldwide. Stay tuned to our social media channels for a formal announcement.

We’ve also been in continuous contact with all of our partner teams on the ground, and nearly every day they are presented with unanticipated challenges. As we navigate this time together, we are committed to helping our partners find new, innovative ways to adapt while continuing their invaluable services.

Below you will find updates from our partners and projects as they tackle the challenges this pandemic is presenting them. Please note that we will update this information as the situation evolves.

There are no confirmed cases among students and their families or Academy staff who are doing their best to work from home.

The following are main impacts thus far:

•  The new school year, which typically starts in April, has been delayed until June 1, 2020 by Ecuador’s Ministry of Education. On June 1, schools will be able to start online classes for their students. Academy staff are finalizing ways to prepare for online courses and figuring out how to connect families to electronic devices or internet access.

•   Because classes would typically be taking place in May, Academy teachers are hosting 50 online classes to get students and families back in the school time mindset. Throughout this month, approximately 50 free, optional online classes taking place two hours per week in diverse topics such as dance, drama, family gardens, art, music, and more. 

•  Our team on the ground has been working to identify the needs of the school and the community to help coordinate a response. Chongón’s top city official reports that donations, including food donations, are coming in and public spaces are being prepared to be turned into medical spaces because there is only a small health clinic in Chongón.

•  Our team has been able to source food donations that will go to the families and staff of the Academy and then to families in Chongón, as supply allows. We know of at least 150 families in Chongón who are in immediate need of support and this will likely grow. In total, 60 sacks (weighing 100 pounds each) of rice were donated by a local organization called La Perla Protegida. Each sack can support about 10 families.

•  Grocery deliveries have begun as Young Living Foundation, Ecuador and Academy staff are sourcing, sorting, and distributing groceries and food kits to families of the Academy. 

Our country manager in Nepal will continue to provide us with updates over the coming days and weeks. We remain hopeful that we will be able to complete the remaining eight schools by the end of this year.

The following are main impacts thus far:

•  Outreach programs. including child protection clubs, and community prevention activities have been paused to prevent exposure to COVID-19. Some self-help groups are continuing to meet in small groups on their own while practicing social distancing guidelines. 

•  Lighthouse centers in Uganda and Ethiopia will remain open and children residing in Lighthouses are receiving additional, daily medical checks that are in line with the World Health Organization’s guidelines. 

•  Reintegration of children with their families have been put on pause due to the strict lockdown regulations in place in the countries where Hope for Justice operates Lighthouses.  

•  All new client intake will be paused  at the Lighthouse in Cambodia. Current clients will also receive daily medical checks.

•  The Shine Career School in Cambodia is currently closed due to school closures enforced by the Cambodian government. Girls within Hope for Justice’s programs are continuing to attend classes, but girls who attend from other local community organizations are unable to.

• Five Hope for Justice Uganda staff members are currently volunteering with the Kampala Capital City Authority & Ministry of Gender, Labor, and Social Development in Uganda to provide services for children on the street needing safe food, shelter, and medical support.

The following are main impacts thus far:

•  To comply with national directives, Sole Hope has paused all school and community outreach clinics. 

•  After consulting with health officers, all new patient intake will be paused at the Hope Center and all patients at the Hope Center have received treatment and returned home.

•  Sole Hope is working with the Ugandan Ministry of Health to offer the Hope Center for patient overflow in anticipation of COVID-19 overwhelming local hospitals.

•  Sole Hope’s trained and certified medical staff are working in government and local hospitals to offer life-saving medical care to the people who need it most and are registering Sole Hope’s vehicles as ambulances in order to transport emergency cases to the hospital.

More information will be shared as the situation develops.

If you would like to contribute to the Young Living Foundation's efforts to support nonprofits working to keep vulnerable families safe and healthy today, and every day, click the button below. Your donations continue to make a difference as 100 percent is applied directly to unlocking freedom for those who need a hand up.

April 7, 2020