Dear Kenya Keys Sponsors and Friends,
It is a challenging and surreal time in this world we share. Both in the US and in Kenya, months of planning, preparation, and excited anticipation were to culminate with tomorrow’s departure of our March 2020 team. It’s hard to even describe all of the work that goes into bringing together the two worlds of Kenya Keys. Team members were packed and ready to go no matter what. Students were scheduled to meet their sponsors who were on the team. Alumni were gathering from all across Kenya to celebrate 15 years of Kenya Keys. That was only the beginning.
But new information was coming in every day from national and global health authorities regarding the COVID-19 outbreak.
Over the weekend, the US Board conducted research and met to discuss this evolving situation. Keeping in mind that we assure our teams that Kenya Keys will always err on the side of caution, it was determined that the March trip should be postponed.
The primary reasons for postponing include:
- The risk of a team member from the US taking the virus to Kenya, where there are no known current infections.
- The risk of having our team travel when health authorities strongly suggest long international flights be avoided.
- The risk of team members being quarantined, hospitalized, or delayed due to infection.
- The risk that there is still so much uncertainty regarding the transfer and spread of the virus.
Though disappointment and disbelief have rocked all of us, in the US and in Kenya, our commitment goes deep. Nothing will stop the mission of Kenya Keys to share the light of education.
Following my three trips to Taru, I know how this work changes lives! We learn from the Kenyans how to flow with the unexpected, and the team who has worked so hard to prepare has done just that, and for that we are grateful to them. T
o the amazing March 2020 team: You’ll get there yet!
Many thanks to all of you, the loyal supporters of the vision and programs of Kenya Keys, for helping to unlock the potential of our amazing students in Kenya.
Asante Sana,
Mark
Mark Friess
Executive Director
Kenya Keys - US
503-887-7033
