A Message From Our Team

Dear Community, 

We’d like to touch base with you at this very uncertain time in our world and give you some information about the implications of the Covid-19 emergency for the people and communities we’re serving. Now more than ever it’s important that we stand by them. 

In both Cambodia and India, national and local governments are taking measures to protect their societies at large. Our staff in India and Cambodia are working safely from home in accordance with government precaution, counseling and providing support to scholarship recipients during these tough times. Our rural village health care program in India, ASHA, is now pivoted to ensure access to reliable information on Covid-19 and crucial health services. We are dedicated to responding in a rigorous way to whatever challenges the communities we serve face going forward. 

In India, while primary schools were closed earlier this month, the government allowed high school students to complete board examinations which was helpful to our Blossom Bus scholars. In Cambodia, the Ministry of Education announced the closure of all public and private educational institutions across the country and are focusing on e-learning opportunities for students in grades 9-12. 

We are working with an in-country partner to loan GATE scholarship girls smartphones to access these online opportunities and girls are already organizing themselves in study groups. Our partner is also setting up online groups to continue to monitor the girls’ safety, progress, and wellbeing. Additionally we are identifying CATALYST scholars who need internet access and are providing them with smartphones and other support through the reallocation of tuition and other funds. 

Remember the communities we support are at-risk and most in need, so it is essential that we do what we can to prevent the risk of exploitation and other vulnerabilities that they face. Ensuring their continuous access to education and care is, for this reason, of paramount importance. 

As you know, it’s a rapidly changing landscape. We will stay in touch to let you know how things evolve. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions and we will let you know how you can help. 

May we benefit the right to education and safety for all. 

Stay safe and healthy,

The Lotus Outreach Team