CHILDREN OF DECEASED EBOLA MEDICAL WORKERS RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIP PACKAGE

As their contribution to ease the stress on some guardians that are taking care of children whose parents died during the Ebola episode in Sierra Leone, the Foundation for Children of Ebola Affected Medical Workers (FOCEM) has distributed Scholarship Packages to some of the affected children.

The Bo district Scholarship Award Ceremony which took place in Bo City last week Thursday is one of the series of ceremony that will be held in other districts and cities in the country.

Sierra Leone was severely afflicted by the epidemic of Ebola virus disease, along with the neighboring countries of Guinea and Liberia.

World Health Organisation (WHO) reported a total number of cases are about 28,637 across six countries.

Cases contracted in Sierra Leone was 14,061 as of 25th October 2015 and a death toll of 3, 955. 

The epidemic devastated families and communities across the country and disrupted every aspect of life; some people who lost their loved ones are still in a state of shock. 

In other to ease their problems, FOCEM a formidable non-political and religious organisation was set up to come to the aid of some of those children.

FOCEM National Program Administrator, Sheku Adnrew Coomber told his audience that FOCEM is specifically focused on meeting the educational needs of the children left behind by EVD related deceased health care workers.

“FOCEM is non-political and non-religious and its remit extends to all areas of Sierra Leone. We are encouraging others to come; our membership is open to all.”

He stressed that the health care workers children that are benefiting from the package includes Medical Doctors, Nurses, Laboratory Technicians and Cleaners among others.

Noting that, they are only concerned for the children whose parents lost their lives during the cause of their duties not those that are not affected.

“The only way we can save the situation is to help the children and that will make them achieve their goals which will go a long way for them,” he said.

Coomber disclosed that the Foundation will look after these children till they completed their university education through the grace of God on their side.

Sierra Leone was declared Ebola free on 7 November 2015 but dozens of affected children are not well taken care of.

Some are still isolated while others have less attention by families and other relatives.

Representative of the Board of Trustees Dr Joe Lappia reflected that the poor state of Sierra Leone health facilities was the main reason why health workers were prone to infection.

“Re-use of needles and syringes, inadequate techniques, and unhygienic practices among hospital staff and patients have posed serious problems.”

He went on to say that though their remit is limited to Sierra Leone; the membership of the Foundation is worldwide and that Coordinators have been appointed for various geographical regions.

“Whilst initially concentrating on education assistance, the foundation will explore possibilities of involvement in other areas of children’s education. This may include counseling and library services.”

He further stated that FOCEM will commit itself to a budget of Le 100 Million from its current membership over a total period of two years.

This, he said may rise to Le 300 Million and above with more people contribution which he said will last for a longer period.

The Scholarships he said covers all educational levels from primary to University, but it is limited to one person per family as a way of giving others the same opportunity and it is given in proportion to the number of victims per District.

He encouraged the children to be focused and come out with good results in their studies.

He thanked the Board of Trustee for their support especially Andrew Keili whom he said has a desire of helping children.

He also commended other members of the Board of Trustee for their support to the Foundation.

Dr Joe Lappia said FOCEM was officially launched in October 23rd 2014 and they want to ensure that the program is sustainable.

“FOCEM’s Board of Trustees comprises several eminent persons at home and abroad from various backgrounds and walks of life, which have an ardent commitment to the Foundation’s objectives.”

Members of the Board of Trustees Include:

Andrew Keili (Coordinator, Sierra Leone), Winstanley Bankole Johnson (Coordinator, Sierra Leone), Nancy Banya (Coordinator, United Kingdom), Mamie Isatta Sowa (Coordinator, USA), Harry Seilenga (Coordinator, USA), Alusine Jalloh, Alex Kamara, Ali Forna, Sam Zoker, Mabel Zoker, Helen Keili, Dr Joe Lappia, Mohamed Babatunde Cole, Siatta Momoh (UK) and Mariama Kassay (UK).

Bo District Contact Person, Nancy Baby Gbonda said they are in tears and at the same time happy as the move by FOCEM will go a long way for the children and their parents.

In her brief statement, that interrupted by tears, one of the parents Jeneaba Swaray lost her husband who was a Medical worker. Her late husband left her with three children. FOCEM took one of her three children which according to her has helped to reduce her stress.

She expressed her joy to the Foundation and said she was thinking of how she can take care of three children when her only source of income is by selling cold water.

“I am so happy that you are taking care of my boy. I was wondering how I will take care of them when we are only surviving through the cold water I am selling.”

Thomas I. Mansaray an SSS 3 Pupil of Bo School thanked FOCEM for their timely intervention.

He promised FOCEM that they will not let them down as they have seen the value in education.

It is indeed a life changing moment for the children and their parents. FOCEM stretches across the country such as Freetown, Makeni,Bo Kenema and Kailahun where similar ceremony will take place.