Dear friend,
Like almost everyone, this pandemic period has been very challenging for WCE. Our partner organizations have had their funds curtailed. Sending computers has been less of a priority for our corporate donors. Chapter volunteers have not been able to work on-site.
But we have stayed busy. Many volunteers have taken computers home to refurbish. We are sending letters of inquiry to potential individual, foundation, government, and corporate donors. We submitted a proposal to the National Science Foundation to help with computer science education in Puerto Rico. We are working with six of our Field Associates in Africa to develop Chapters in their countries. We have also rebooted our social media, and sharpened the focus of our four projects: African Chapters, Puerto Rico, Inspire Girls, and Youth Skills.
To save on rent for storage space, we are planning to send shared containers of computers to some African countries at reduced costs. We also are completing several smaller shipments so that we meet all of our prior obligations.
To ensure the health and safety of our volunteers, we are experimenting with ways to safely reopen our USA Chapters while abiding by social distancing guidelines. We are also seeking tablets, eReaders, and smart phones to help with distance learning.
Working with our Board of Directors, Field Associates, and a strong team of interns, we believe we have found a workable path through these challenging times.
Before this pandemic struck, we were in the midst of our most successful year ever. Over the next few months, we hope our donors will continue to generously support our Chapters, projects, and shipments to partner organizations. With the global demand from teachers and parents for help with distance learning, WCE’s mission is even more urgent now than ever before.
Best wishes,
Timothy Anderson
CEO & Founder