Dear Friends,The COVID-19 pandemic is with us and all around us. Mindful of its patterns and spread, the eKitabu team transitioned fully to working from home even before the first government orders in Kenya and Rwanda. We are working, we are social distancing, we are adhering to government guidelines for COVID-19, and we are continuing to deliver accessible digital content for inclusive and quality education. We are also mindful that over 150 million learners in African primary and secondary schools have been affected by COVID-19 school closures. I am glad to share with you that we have added many new books to open.eKitabu.com for free, online access by children, teachers and families. This is one of several initiatives we accelerated in March in response to COVID-19. Preparations for the 2020 Digital Essay Competition are ongoing, and we welcome you to keep an eye on essay.eKitabu.com for the 2020 DEC question. The Competition works to promote inclusive and quality education for all children. Through DEC, learners—with the support of their teachers—develop their own ideas and voices. Now in its eighth year, DEC has grown with the support of Kenya Ministry of Education, teachers, and sponsors. A final note: one person who helped us grow DEC, whose intelligence, friendliness, and beautiful Kiswahili we will greatly miss, is Professor Ken Walibora. Ken’s passing this week, unrelated to COVID-19, reminds us life is too short. We share our condolences with Ken’s family, all friends and colleagues. Be well. Tukomeshe COVID-19.Warmest regards,WillRead the entire newsletter here