At the time of writing Sierra Leone is one of just a few countries yet to declare a case of coronavirus (COVID-19). Having been crippled by the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak, the government is taking the COVID-19 threat extremely seriously by proactively putting in place measures to hopefully prevent an outbreak. This includes the closure of all schools from 31st March until further notice. 

As an organisation supporting young mothers to remain in education, these measures (among others) will have a direct impact on our work, and on the lives of the vulnerable girls we are supporting. As well as the threat of COVID-19, we remain concerned that extended school closures will leave many of the girls at increased risk of abuse, exploitation and repeat pregnancies. Sadly, this was witnessed during the Ebola outbreak which saw a huge spike in adolescent pregnancies. 

During this unprecedented time, the AdAmi Project remains committed to ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of the girls and our local team. To do so, over the coming weeks and months we will:

• Communicate basic guidance and information on how to avoid catching the virus and best practices to adopt at this time (e.g. regularly washing hands and social distancing)

• Set up small study groups in each community (with no more than 2-3 girls per group) to keep the girls engaged with their studies.

• Continue to carry out key one on one activities, such as monitoring the girls at their homes and weekly mentoring sessions to ensure their mental wellbeing and safety. Social distancing practices will be observed at all times. 

• Postpone any larger group activities, such as workshops and training, until further notice.

• Distribute hand sanitizer and soap to the team and girls.

• Require any staff member or girl presenting symptoms of the virus to remain at home and self-isolate as required.

With the situation changing rapidly around the globe, we will monitor the situation closely and adapt our response as and when is required. Should you have any questions or comments about our response then please do not hesitate to contact Kirsty Wood at kirstywood@adamiproject.org