In recent weeks, the FUM E-news has reported on the impact the suspension of US foreign aid is having on ministries under the care of Friends United Meeting. We carry a burden of concern and responsibility for Ramallah Friends School and the Lugulu Friends Mission Hospital. For years, FUM has collaborated with USAID to oversee grants through the ASHA (American Schools and Hospitals Abroad) Program. Both the Lugulu Friends Mission Hospital and Ramallah Friends School have benefited from this program.
In Ramallah
Currently, FUM has received a $1.4 million grant to construct an assembly hall on the lower campus of Ramallah Friends School. Construction was underway when, on 28 January 2025, we were notified that our grant was suspended. On 25 February 2025, FUM received the official notification regarding termination of award No.72ASHA21CA00016 : Your award is being terminated for convenience and the interests of the U.S. Government pursuant to a directive from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in his capacity as the Acting Administrator for the U.S. Agency for International Development.To comply with the terms of the suspension, we ceased work on the project, released our contractors and workers, and filed compliance reports. Currently, we have a gaping hole of a construction site on our campus. We are liable for the work completed on the project, and, to date, we owe our contractors and workers $332,000. We are still waiting to know if this distribution request, submitted before suspension, will be honored. And, we need to raise an additional $1,058,488 to complete the project. FUM remains committed to conducting our business with transparency, integrity, and compassion.
In Lugulu
Friends Lugulu Mission Hospital is another program deeply impacted by this suspension of American foreign aid. The hospital is supported by Catholic Charities and CHAK (Christian Health Association of Kenya). Both agencies receive funding from U.S. foreign aid programs. Our Comprehensive Care Clinic (CCC), supported by Catholic Charities through U.S. foreign aid, employs twenty-three dedicated staff members who provide life-saving medical services and counseling to patients diagnosed with HIV and tuberculosis. The clinic also runs essential programs to mitigate malaria in the region. The enforcement of the executive order required the hospital to cease clinic services to over 2,900 patients and dismiss clinic staff. However, the hospital is attempting to absorb some of the activities of the clinic with volunteers and medication they have on hand. The operational costs of the clinic are about $12,000 per month.As of today, the suspension remains in place pending the outcome of the review. We remain concerned that the decision to suspend this program will result in the preventable deaths of the very patients we are called to serve.
On 13 February, a federal judge ordered the administration to restore funding for hundreds of foreign aid contractors who argued that they were negatively impacted by a 90-day blanket freeze. This provided us some hope that the most critical programs might be restored. On Wednesday, however,, the Supreme Court halted the lower court’s ruling, keeping the suspensions and funding freeze in place.
As part of our burden of concern for Lugulu Friends Mission Hospital and Ramallah Friends School, we are encouraging members of the Quaker community, RFS alumni, and people of goodwill to consider making meaningful contributions to these ministries. In Ramallah, we are pivoting the leading focus of our Foundation for Tomorrow Campaign to include the completion of the construction project. Click here to learn more about this initiative. Donations for the campaign are received online: https://bit.ly/RFS_foundation-for-tomorrow. Additionally, I am more than pleased to visit with you about a donation you might want to make on behalf of the campaign.
For Lugulu, donations for the hospital can be made through the FUM website. https://www.friendsunitedmeeting.org/giving/donate. Please use the Global Ministries Form and designate Lugulu Hospital.Your generous support at this time is greatly appreciated.AdvocacyThe suspension or reduction of U.S. foreign aid can have devastating consequences, impacting vital institutions like Ramallah Friends School in Palestine and Lugulu Friends Mission Hospital in Kenya. At this time, they need Friends advocating with local and state representatives and other brokers of influence on their behalf. The following information may guide you in any advocacy work on behalf of FUM.
1. Know Your Audience: Identify Your Representatives. Determine who your U.S. Senators and Representatives are. You can find this information by visiting usa.gov and entering your address.Research their stance on foreign aid, humanitarian assistance, and education/healthcare initiatives. This will help you tailor your message effectively.Identify staff members in their offices who handle foreign affairs, education, or health policy. Staffers can help open doors and are key influencers.
2. Craft Compelling Messaging. Personalize your message: Start by explaining why this issue matters to you and your community. Are you an alumnus or supporter of Ramallah Friends School? Have you visited or supported Lugulu Friends Mission Hospital? A personal connection makes your plea more impactful. Why is it important to you?Highlight the human impact: Focus on the real people who will be affected by aid reductions. Share stories of students who benefit from scholarships at Ramallah Friends School or patients who rely on the healthcare services provided by Lugulu Friends Mission Hospital.Emphasize the positive outcomes of US foreign aid: Demonstrate how US foreign aid supports stability, promotes education and health, and advances US interests abroad. Explain how these institutions contribute to those goals.Use clear and concise language: Avoid jargon, technical, or political terms. Use simple and straightforward language to explain the issue and its importance.Provide concrete data: Back up your claims with facts and figures. State the number of students impacted by losing US aid or specific services the Lugulu Friends Mission Hospital provides.End with a clear request: What do you want your representative to do?
3. Choose Your Advocacy Methods. Write letters and emails: This is a direct way to communicate your concerns. Keep your letters concise and focused, and personalize each one.Make phone calls: Calling is another impactful way to make your voice heard. Be polite and prepared to deliver your message concisely.Schedule meetings: Request a meeting with your representative or their staff. This provides an opportunity for a more in-depth discussion.Participate in town hall meetings: Attend town hall meetings and ask questions about U.S. foreign aid and its impact.
4. Be Persistent and Polite. Advocacy is an ongoing process. Don't give up after one attempt.Follow up with your representatives after you've contacted them.Always be respectful and courteous, even if you disagree with your representative's views.Be truthful.
Advocacy Tips Specific to Ramallah Friends School and Lugulu Friends Mission Hospital:
In Light and Hope,
Kelly Kellum
General Secretary
Friends United Meeting
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