In March, when so much was uncertain about the spread of infection, we chose to take early precautions. Mask wearing became

the norm, long before it became mandatory and those in our economic justice programmes, began a three month 'stay at

home' period. This was particularly important for producers in Hands of Hope with compromised immune systems. Participants were

registered for government assistance, which most ended up receiving.

Another vulnerable population was that of the Garden of Friendship and immediately protocols were followed to safeguard the

residents with a ban on visitors and increased hygeinic procedures . Outreach staff limited their village and hospital visits to the

most essential but kept contact with clients by phone.

Schools had already closed for the long end of year break (March to May) and this was then extended to July,

Hearing of the plight of people trying to return to Laos who were sleeping on the roadside while their requests could be processed,  we opened the facilities of the Village Vocational Training Centre  - no longer accepting guests for seminars - to house them. This has happened  on three occasions in recent months with groups supervised by government officials. 

With the generous assistance of our benefactors, we have been able to continue food support to the poorest families in the villages impacted by lack of employment and hope to continue this assistance for as long as it is needed and we thank those who have provided materials or funds.