2020 So Far

BY THE NUMBERS

And once again, we’re reminded how quickly everything can change.  2020 started at what felt like an intense speed.  We resumed from the holiday break at the halfway point of our Fellowship Programs, incorporating new systems for surveying and data collection, and finalizing the last phases of preparations for the coffee harvest season.  In mid-February we celebrated the official inauguration of our Ntango Coffee Washing Station, and two weeks later we were open for business! 

Our schedules were full and exciting, even a bit hectic at times, and we were powering ahead.  Then, we all know what March brought.  

The Rwandan government has been incredibly proactive and cautious in their handling of the pandemic, and by March 15th general stay at home policies were encouraged.  By March 21st these policies were mandated and the borders were closed, and throughout April strict shelter in place orders were enforced for any non-essential movements.  While the coffee industry was deemed essential and our washing station (and farmers’ harvesting work) was allowed to continue, virtually all of our program work was put on pause.  Our staff stayed in phone communication with our Fellows as much as possible, and we, as much of the world, switched to working on contingency plans and at-home learning, research and program development.  

It soon became clear that many people were facing major food challenges.  For our Fellows, while they were able to rely on some of their own farming subsistence, prices were rising at the markets, means of transportation were limited and available farm help was reduced.  For others outside of our program, many who rely on small income as tailors, drivers, miners, or shop workers, the shut down economy was an essential blockage of any means to buy basic daily items.  While not in our normal work plan, our staff agreed that these were exceptional times, and that we would shift our focus to addressing some of these immediate needs.  We were overwhelmed by the response of our Kula community and an additional grant by One Day’s Wages, and in partnership with local government, have been able to provide food, masks, and soap to 1,209 households- reaching around 4,500 individuals.

May has seen a gradual lifting of the strictest lockdown policies in Rwanda as COVID-19 cases (in total numbering 330) have declined in growth rate and testing has increased.  While large group gatherings likely won’t be allowed until late this year, much of our mentorship and small group training will be able to resume in the coming weeks.  Little by little we are settling into the new normal here, and as always are so grateful for the optimism, unity and strength of our team in facing and overcoming these challenges.  Ultimately, we have again been humbled by the support of our global community and local partners to see, hear, and care for some of those who need it most, even in the midst of great shared uncertainty.  

Thank you, thank you.     

- Nic Lauten, Program Director, and the Kula Family

Photos by Jordan Snowzell