By Nasratu Kargbo
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Focus 1000 Alhaji Mohammad Bailor Jalloh has urged caregivers to prioritize the education of orphans who have survived Ebola and the Mudslide disasters.
Jalloh made this call on the 24th September 2022 at a programme held by Focus 1000 in collaboration with Sierra Leone War Trust Fund (SLWT) to distribute school materials and food items to Ebola and Mudslide children survivors.
Jalloh stated that he has received complaints that some of the children have been going to school late, and asked caregivers to ensure that the children are always in school early.
He said they have been providing the children’s school fees, uniform, footwears, and all school kits. The CEO explained that they have been facing challenges in the area of providing food for the children, but stated that this time they have made an attempt by providing half a bag of rice, garri, milk, and sugar.
Jalloh also said they have been providing health support to ensure that the kids are healthy. He expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Health, noting that most of the health centres where the kids are taken are government facilities.
A representative from Sierra Leone War Trust fund (SLWT), Trude Morgan, whilst explaining the source of income to purchase the school items and foodstuff, said they were not supported by any organization, but that they got the money by organizing art exhibitions and other activities to raise money to help the children.
Addressing the parents and guardians, Morgan thanked them for what she described as an amazing job.
“Keep studying and keep working hard,” said Morgan, as she addressed the children. She noted that if the children are not educated, the country will remain the same.
Child Fund’s Project Officer, Bando Marrah asked caregivers to allow the children to enjoy their childhood, advising that they should ensure not to use abusive words around them, as children could copy such attitudes.
In addition, he urged them to visit the children’s schools from time to time to monitor their performance, explaining that the kids should be supervised in school.
Marrah advised the kids to be responsible by studying hard. He emphasized that if someone touches them in a way that is inappropriate, they should ensure that they tell their parents or caregivers.
He further advised that they should be careful of the friends they keep.
The Project Officer expressed appreciation to the organizations for such a gesture, noting that times are hard and that lending a hand to vulnerable children will go a long way in helping them.
A total of eighty children benefited from the support rendered by Focus 1000 and SLWT.
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