Skip to content

July 28, 2020

Message to the donators and friends

July 2020

Dear contributors,

First and foremost, we hope these news find you and your loved ones in good physical and moral health.

In the first months of the lockdown, our students in Burundi have observed through Social Media, that the level of people diagnosed with  Covid 19 and the number of deaths that followed were very high in our country. They have repeatedly expressed their concerns for us all

We sincerely hope the situation will allow us to go to Burundi to carry out the 15th mission towards the end of August or beginning of September. However, should we be obligated to cancel our plans, our young people on the field, already  well trained, would be in charge under our remote supervision.

We recently received the results of their academic achievements for the third quarter. They are continuing their studies as planned despite the crisis.

Of course, as does the rest of the world,  Burundi has recorded cases of contamination with Coronavirus.  Borders being closed, businesses  are suffering immensely… which in turns affects already impoverished people.  

The elections still took place in May despite the current crisis.  You also have probably heard that the former President, Pierre Nkurunziza has died, at age 55, last June 8th.

In short,  these are the news.

We take this opportunity to wish you a good summer.  At least…. the sun is not in isolation.

One of our assistants and former students communicated with us this morning. Due to the current crisis, the Telecommunications Company he works for has reduced its personnel.  He will not be able to work for the next 10 days.  This means he will not have the financial means to support his immediate and extended family.  They fear more about the lack of resources than the fight against the Covid 19 virus itself. This is not a unique case; many have to deal with the same dilemma.

With the ongoing situation, of course, My School Bag will postpone its May/June mission this year.  We will wait for the end of the election period and the reopening of the airport.

We hope to go at the end of August, just in time for the beginning of a new school year.

The students in Burundi are worried about My School Bag.  We have reassured them by letting them know that the former students, now young adults, are able to take command.

For now, PLEASE STAY HOME and keep safe.

The children wish you to find the necessary courage to get through these difficult times where human hope and solidarity are crucial.