Over recent weeks, we have all watched with concern as COVID-19 has spread across the world. On March 11^th, the World Health Organisation declared the outbreak a pandemic. This global humanitarian crisis is unprecedented on many levels and threatens the health and wellbeing of hundreds of millions of children and their families.

Education has been hit hard by the pandemic. The number of children, youth and adults not attending schools or universities because of government measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 is soaring. The outbreak has already forced leaders around the world to suspend the education of almost 90% of the world’s children and young people, cutting them off from their learning, friends, and the vital services and protection that education systems provide.

Over 180 countries have implemented nationwide closures, impacting much of the world’s student population. This includes UK schools, as well as friends and members of the Send My Friend to School campaign, which are now only open for children of key workers and those who are particularly vulnerable.

This situation is continuously evolving, and the Send My Friend steering group is monitoring the situation closely. In line with the latest government advice, Send My Friend has already:

• Suspended the training weekend for our campaign champions
• Suspended the parliamentary event to launch our policy report

The safety of young people connected to our campaign, colleagues, partners, and schools is of absolute priority to us. We will continue to monitor government advice and, in the coming months as guidance evolves, share updates on contingency arrangements for our campaign activities.

We recognise that this is a challenging and uncertain time for pupils and teachers, and we wish everyone well. Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact our Campaign Manager, Hannah Nixon, at hannah.nixon@sendmyfriend.org.