By Erica Renew, Michelle Adams, and Beatrice Cameron
The coronavirus outbreak has tremendously impacted educational institutions worldwide. Schools, faculty, staff, students, and parents were forced to pivot abruptly when the pandemic struck. The traditional ways of obtaining an education quickly became a memory of the past. Through managing diplomatic facilities at 291 locations around the world, the Department of State’s Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) has been committed to supporting not only each diplomatic facility but the local community each resides in as well. A large part of that community includes the students, faculty, and staff at overseas schools, who live and work with U.S. embassy and consulate families.
During the peak of the pandemic, OBO and the Bureau of Administrations’ Office of Overseas Schools (A/OS) joined forces to help Department-assisted overseas schools mitigate COVID-19 risks. An initial phone conversation between OBO’s Director Addison “Tad” Davis IV, OBO Principal Deputy Director Henry Jardine, and A/OS Regional Education Officer Beatrice Cameron developed this program.
“COVID-19 brought unwelcome concern into the lives of many international schools, as the way forward was very uncertain,” said Davis. “We all understood the importance of enhancing safety and security measures overseas, as schools tirelessly worked towards potential openings in the fall.”
Following the call, many others from OBO and A/OS joined efforts to help bring this vision to life.
This funding helped overseas schools purchase durable equipment and materials such as: thermometers, hand-washing stations, portable sinks, hand-sanitizer dispensers, disinfectant applicators, plexiglass dividers, air purifiers, and much more. Since July 3, OBO has funded and assisted A/OS, awarding 151 grants and 17 amendments totaling more than $3 million.
“We are extremely grateful for the support. It will help us do a better job of keeping our students as safe as possible in these challenging times,” said Taizu Wold, director of QSI International School of Dushanbe.
The funding from the OBO and A/OS partnership instilled a greater sense of confidence for many overseas communities as they attempt to safely and securely navigate the global “new normal.” Learn more about OBO’s efforts on their website.
Erica Renew is an area manager, and Michelle Adams is a program support specialist in the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations. Beatrice Cameron is a regional education officer in the Bureau of Administrations’ Office of Overseas Schools.
