How we’re responding to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis in Africa

Dear friends,

2020 was supposed to be our year of Decennial celebrations and expansion. Like every organization, our plans have changed significantly.

Am I disappointed? Yes. 

Discouraged? No.

I’m more hopeful than ever before.

Why?

Over the past month, our community has proven that we live out our Culture Code values in the good times and most importantly, the bad times.

Our commitment to creating an affordable, scalable, and market relevant model of global higher education is unwavering. I will spend the next 30 years focused on this goal.

I’m energized by our faculty’s indefatigable drive to Seek to Serve our students and to provide a transformational education.

A quick pivot to distance learning could be challenging, but our team seized the opportunity to Make it Shine after Rwanda’s lockdown began on March 21st. Despite limitations with internet connection and electricity, our students continued to go above and beyond in their projects.

We’ve spent the last few years investing in blended learning and competency-based education programs. While we miss the energy of campus life, we were prepared to navigate this transition and ensure minimal academic disruption.

Until we can reopen campus, our faculty will do everything possible to continue to support our students, including virtual clubs and career coaching.

We continue to practice Radical Transparency about our finances. Due to a significant downturn in our fundraising revenue, we have implemented a series of difficult measures including salary cuts for every employee, contract suspensions, and a pause on our Malawi expansion. Highest paid employees are taking the largest reductions. Employees will maintain their health care benefits, and those with suspended contracts will receive a monthly stipend to cover basic needs. As CEO, I have never taken a salary.

This is a joint sacrifice by every team member as we strive to be financially conservative. We hope to normalize contracts, full campus operations, and expansion as soon as possible.

In the midst of this challenging season, we still Cut the Cake and celebrate monumental milestones.

11,000 young women and men have already applied to join our Class of 2022 at Davis College and Akilah.

More than ever, we need resilient leaders who will rebuild their communities, create sustainable ventures and reimagine existing institutions. Our students are those leaders, and we know they will play a critical role in instilling hope throughout this crisis and in a post-pandemic world.

We have raised $135,000 of our $150,000 campaign. Every dollar will be matched by a board member. Will you join us by making a $50 monthly or one-time gift?

Thank you for believing in the extraordinary potential of our students, and a brighter, bolder future.

With gratitude,

Elizabeth Dearborn Hughes

CEO & Co-Founder