In our supported communities, few new COVID-19 cases have been reported in recent months, though continued measures remain in place to promote public safety. Compulsory mask-wearing is found almost everywhere. In Uganda and Mozambique, nightly curfews remain in effect. And even while vaccines are increasingly reported available to the general public – including for teenagers in Kenya and Zambia – penetration of vaccines remains among lowest in the world. On a positive note, schools are open for in-person learning across most countries. ChildFund’s programming across the region continues to follow safety measures when gatherings occur and to explore other virtual means for connecting with children and families. In most areas, the communications we support between sponsors and children are nearly back to normal. We're grateful to see these precious connections further restored.

Nhabete, 16, receives a bike at a ChildFund gift distribution in Mozambique, which will cut down dramatically on her commute time to school. Although many in-person activities have resumed, masks remain compulsory.