messages of hope

The girls hung messages of hope on doors
in their community to lift neighbors' spirits.

On Monday, March 16, schools closed temporarily in Ethiopia, as did our training center which was not unexpected. We had already begun preparing our students, their caregivers, and staff for what their new normal may look like as the Coronavirus would inevitably reach Ethiopia.
Staff is now working from home, and all beneficiaries (Training for Tomorrow students, college students + micro-loan recipients) have a line of communication to their assigned staff member.

Before girls were under Stay at Home orders, they were already phoning their staff team leaders, asking how to get involved and help their community.

​With a simple yet powerful punch, and safety measures in place, students created Tesfa signs ('hope' in Amharic). Handmade messages of hope drawn in Ethiopian flag colors are now proudly displayed!
The empathy and proactive measures of these young women in such a time of uncertainty speak volumes for the future impact they'll bring to their communities.

---

​Ethiopia Covid-19 Status Update
​March 13: First Covid case announced
March 16: Schools closed
March 23: Land borders closed
March 31: August elections are postponed
April 8: State of Emergency is declared
April 10: 65 cases, 4 recoveries, 3 deaths