Wishing you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! While 2020 was a challenging year around the world, we find ourselves grateful for our health, the people we support, what we have been able to achieve thus far and people like you who continue to support us.

As the year rounds to an end, we have put in place safety measures to ensure the children’s protection from COVID-19 during tutorials and activities in our drop in center. We had been supporting the children as they studied from home for most of the year. Now, schools have now reopened and we are once again providing our students with daily meals and tutorial sessions after school.

We have provided each child and their family members with masks and soap this quarter. The children are able to sanitize and wash their hands as they enter the compound, hang their bags separately, have their meals in a distanced sheltered area outside then put on their face shields as they attend their tutorial sessions. Read more about our efforts to keep children learning.

Two young women are also graduating from our program this year, well on their way to success and self reliance. I am very proud of Faven and Tenaye both have come a long way from young girls to independent bright women.

We lovingly remember the life of one of our guardians who passed. Wro. Amelework was the strong single mother of Teneil, a bright young woman who previously graduated from our program as a self reliant young adult. Wro. Alemework was a kind hearted woman filled with gratitude.

We are filled with excitement as we plan for 2021, with the children safely back in school and receiving holistic support. Our new community outreach program seeks to support vulnerable children with educational support. Adding to this we will also be supporting vulnerable elders in the community. Read about two of our elders we are currently supporting.

We keep you close to our hearts for your invaluable support to our program during this both challenging and rewarding year. We hope that you and your loved ones enjoy your holidays. Sending you warm wishes for a wonderful year ahead from the whole BHE team!

Warmest greetings, Koni