COVID-19 Updates, April 2020

It has been a little over a month since the entire world has gone into a “lock-down” way of doing things. For many of our international teams, they are unable to leave their houses or hold group trainings. Although these are trying times for us all, we remain optimistic that our world will thrive once again.

Today, we want to let you know how we’re focused on supporting the communities in developing countries where our MENTORS live and work.

• Thanks to modern technology our team of MENTORS are reaching out via email, phone, text, and social media. While we may be physically distant, we are staying connected.
• Last year we started a new VOLUNTEER MENTOR Program and trained 444 new mentors. These certified MENTORS regularly visit, mentor, and share helpful business techniques. With additional MENTORS we are able to reach and serve over 850 new individuals and their small businesses.
• By the end of 2020, ALL of our vocational training classes will be available on-line. Most of them are already available online and being utilized. 
• Right now we are not actively collecting micro-loan payments because of the “lock-downs” and activity restrictions in the countries where we serve. We are focused on virtually MENTORING and supporting these small entrepreneurial businesses in anyway that we can.
• Our Executive Director Ruth, in the Dominican Republic, is working to get our “virtual training class” up and running for the first time in this country ready for our next term in May. We still plan to open a new Learning and Mentoring Center in this country later on in the fall.
• We regularly hold video calls with our in-country directors and staff. We can share innovative ideas and collaborate on best practices moving forward as we seek to “virtually” MENTOR and serve.