April 8, 2020
Dear supporters of the Fregenet Foundation and Ethiopia’s youth,
As we write this, we understand that we are living under challenging, strange and unpredictable times. We sincerely hope that you are well, staying inside your home, and following your area safety protocols and measures that keeps everyone safe. By doing so, we are alleviating the burden our first responders are tasked with at this time. Most of all we beseech that the world comes out, better, stronger and healthier, while grieving the many that has lost their lives to this disease.
One thing this disease has reminded us, is how much we need each other. In this time of social distancing, we wish to let you know how much we appreciate you. We hope for as much calm, comfort, and companionship as possible in your lives even if that companionship is from far.
We also wish to let you know that our beloved Ethiopia is doing her very best to keep this pestilence away from her doorstep. Ethiopia has followed the global recommendation and has closed schools, which means the Fregenet Kidan Lehitsanat school in Addis Ababa is currently closed. We have not, however, forsaken our dream of providing a valuable educational start for some of Addis Ababa’s underserved children. We fervently hope we can open again before the families we serve experience additional financial or nutritional hardship. But we understand that enforcing separation is the biggest thing we can do right now. In any case, we are continuing to pay our Ethiopian staff their regular Salaries and benefits. It is our way of doing what we can to support those who rely on us during normal times.
Our best weapon right now is social distancing. Our biggest asset is time. In time things will return to normal. We will grieve the fallen. Students will return to school. Work will be taken up again. And we urge that the global economy will rebound. Once again non-profits such as ours will reach out for support. But for now, let us all just breathe deeply, hold our loved ones near to our hearts even if we cannot be with them, and trust that by following the advice of the medical experts we will prevail.
In deep appreciation for everything you’ve done for us over the years, thank you, and stay safe
The Fregenet Foundation