What a Year! A Holiday Message from RefuSHE
Dear RefuSHE Friends and Family,
Phew! What a year 2020 has been.
Undoubtedly, I think we are all ready to leave it behind. We know the last year has been difficult for so many communities across the globe and because of that, ringing in 2021 may feel different from New Years past. At RefuSHE, we're leaning into "different" and embracing the spirit of resilience. We believe that out of disruption and hardship comes hope, innovation, and transformation. As we look back on everything we had to overcome this year, we can't help but feel excited for what lies ahead as we usher in new opportunities, strategic partnerships, and pivotal transitions.
As the world began to turn upside down in March, our team sprang into action, working tirelessly to support our community of refugee girls both virtually and in-person. When we had to close the RefuSHE campus, our teachers, counsellors, and caseworkers quickly adopted a digital learning approach. In fact, we were the first organization serving refugees in Kenya to provide online classroom instruction. We dispersed additional emergency funds so our girls could cover rent and buy water, food, and sanitation supplies for their families. We adapted our Artisan Collective to meet safety regulations and pivoted the focus to mask production.
Our team’s flexibility also led to the development of new partnerships, including one with the Mastercard Foundation, that will not only strengthen our core education and mental health services, but also allow us to serve more refugee women and girls for years to come. We even "Reimagined" our Annual Fashion Challenge, took it online, and raised more than $121,000 in support of refugee girls' protection, education, and empowerment.
The COVID-19 pandemic was unique in that it impacted everyone around the world. No country, no economy, and no family was left untouched, yet it is in times like these that many of the world’s most vulnerable communities are at even greater risk of falling and staying behind. Over the last year, we have seen the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affect refugee women and girls.
The road to recovery and greater opportunity is never built alone, and if there is a silver lining in all of this, we believe 2020’s legacy will be the spirit of collaboration, thoughtful reflection, and generosity. We are deeply grateful for your continued support throughout this extremely difficult year. We know it hasn’t been easy for anyone. RefuSHE is home to a special community of young women and children and because of you, we were able to keep that home safe and open.
As COVID-19 continues to claim lives around the world, it’s more important than ever that we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing unaccompanied, separated, and orphaned refugee girls with the resources and opportunities they need. Together, we can ensure our girls continue to receive the care they deserve.
Wishing you a healthy and joyous holiday season!
