By Nasratu Kargbo
Children affected by this year’s Susan’s Bay fire disaster have received various relief items donated by different children’s organizations operating in the country. The humanitarian support was also to assist school children in the community with needed school supplies.
Ready to cook packaged rice with condiments and school bags with writing materials were among the items donated.
The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) partnered with UNICEF, Street Child, Save the Children and Joint Aid Management (JAM) to undertake the exercise.
The Deputy Director at the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education John K. Kamanda during the presentation of the supplies stated: “This is a formal response to our brothers and sisters with regards to the fire incident that happened two months ago. This fire affected over one thousand households, and left residents with nothing, but we thank God we did not lose anyone,” he said.
He went on to explain that the government thought it fit to organize a group under the Office of the National Security (ONS) and the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) to respond to such crisis. He added that it is the responsibility of the ONS and NDMA to make sure that the victims are supported with school materials, food items and every other necessity to improve their livelihood.
Major Prince Sesay representing NDMA explained that when President Bio came to power he created a separate agency that looks at disaster issues which brought the Agency into existence. Sesay expressed delight for the donation and said having been on the ground since the incident happened, he has received several complaints from residents in the community with regards food and school items. “I am happy especially because the National Primary School Examinations is on Friday, these geometry sets and other school items will help the pupils greatly”, he admitted.
The communication specialist at UNICEF, Tapuwa Mutseyekwa said: “We are very happy to help these children. We believe that amongst these children there are some who would help shape the future of our country, so we want to be part of that milestone”. She said that the teaching and learning materials were UNICEF’s contribution to the people of Susan’s Bay to ensure continuity in learning. She added that they have been there since the disaster struck and have provided infrastructure, psychosocial, water and sanitation support.
“Our job is focused on children, which is why we have different offices around Sierra Leone, we have helped in our own little way to help support these children,” he said.
The Deputy Country Director of Street Child Sierra Leone, Idrissa Sesay said his organization in partnership with Street Child UK have donated six hundred bags, each having a pen, pencil and eraser. He said he believes “the little gesture” will help the children go back to school.
The Country Manager for Joint Aid Management (JAM), Damanie Agor said they were delighted as an organization to help the children who did not ask to be in that situation. She assured of JAM’s readiness to help whenever they are needed.
Deputy Commissioner National Commission for Children, Fabundeh Ansumana said that their duty is to monitor and coordinate the activities of all institutions that are concerned with child rights issues. “It is our responsibility according to the Child Rights Act to monitor every institution to see whether they are doing what they have stated in their mandate.” he said.
Yusif Kamara a representative from the Susan’s Bay Community expressed gratitude to the organizations for their supports, noting that the support came at the time they needed it most.
In his statement, the Deputy Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Emily Gogra advised parents and children to make good use of the items and thanked all the donors for helping to promote the president’s agenda.
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