As we approach the end of an unusual year, I am reminded of a speech made by former World Vision President, Stan Mooneyham, called Marching off the Map. In his speech, Mooneyham describes World Vision as an organization that has constantly “marched off the map” to find new things to dare, innovative things to experience and risky things to explore. As we come face to face with the unknown, he urged his listeners to remain hopeful.

In spite of the fact that COVID-19 continues to dominate headlines, this year happens to be World Vision’s 70th Anniversary. To mark the occasion, we have launched ‘Hidden Hero’, a campaign that calls for ordinary people to unleash the hero hidden in each of us, and honor those who have come before us.

Have you learned to wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds? Did you feel that we all went back to school and had to relearn how to wash hands at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic? A simple act like hand washing can be a challenge for children with disabilities.

In a few years’ time, when you look back at the summer of 2020, what will you remember doing? This is the season of heat, humidity, and in “normal” years, summer vacations. Instead, with travel restrictions and different waves of COVID-19 cases, this has been a time most of us staying close to our home cities and spending time with loved ones. Staycation appears to be a popular word. This is also a time that many of you have been stepping out to help the most vulnerable in our immediate communities as well as around the world.

Time flies. We are already in the middle of 2020, the most extraordinary year in our life times! I hope you are all keeping well and healthy during this time. Economic poverty/disparity is often visible, but vulnerability factors are usually hidden. After recent progress made in the areas of education and health, the public is increasingly aware of the need to provide a safe community for our children. Issues like domestic violence, cyberbullying are appearing in news headlines more frequently. A system which promotes the identification of violence, defines the reporting and handling mechanism, and supports the development of professional services to protect the survivors is important.  

I hope you and your loved ones are staying safe and healthy during this challenging time. As we are navigating through the COVID-19 uncertainties, it is important than ever to stay connected with one another. More than ever, World Vision is committed to delivering hope and joy to the most vulnerable children around the world. As of 12 May 2020, our Global COVID-19 Response has reached 28 million people, including 11 million children.