Dear Friends,On Thursday 29th October, eKitabu held a conversation on Zoom with parents and teachers who joined a new program we have been working on for the past two years, and launched this year during the pandemic: the Family Of the Year Award. The program was open to all parents of children with and without disabilities to celebrate parents, caregivers, and families who find ways to improve their children’s learning. The COVID-19 pandemic gave special relevance to this experimental effort focused on inclusive and quality education.The 2020 FOYA awardees were Miriam Ongama in Vihiga County; Fidelis Kimeu and Victoria Masila in Kiambu County; and James Wanyama in Siaya County. All received a cash award, certificate, and gift hamper. The objectives of FOYA are to engage with families and understand their needs at home and school, including what support can help their children learn during the pandemic, and to encourage involvement of parents, caregivers, and families in their children’s learning needs. We are learning what engagement, action, and expression look like in 2020 homes and schools. We thank the families who walked a little ways with us in FOYA 2020—a journey of a thousand miles begins beneath one’s feet. We also thank Kenya’s National Council for Persons With Disabilities (NCPWD), Kenya Institute for Special Education (KISE), and Kenya MOE Directorate of Special Needs Education (DSNE) for their advice and collaboration. Warmest regards,WillRead the entire newsletter here