Towards the end of March the Sierra Leonean Government declared a State of Emergency. The school is currently closed until further notice and the staff, students and boarders have returned to their homes. Monica Tomlin, the educational audiologist, was able to fly home just before the lockdown in the UK. The Sierra Leone Government has closed all schools, and banned church and mosque services and it has closed its borders. Unfortunately there are now a small number of Covid-19 cases in the country including a Paediatrician who is part of the National Response Team but there does seem to be an adequate testing programme in place.
Friends of St Joseph’s School is a small charity with very few outgoings. It doesn’t have any paid staff and it doesn’t have to pay any rental on office premises so it is in a much stronger financial position than many. It mainly relies on donations from supporters so its income shouldn’t be too affected during these times.
We hope and pray that you, your family, friends and colleagues are keeping safe and well in these unprecedented times.