FFC-SL donates to vulnerable children
The Future For Children Sierra Leone (FFC-SL), is a non-governmental organization that is helping vulnerable children to become meaningful personalities that will contribute to national development. With support from Street Child Sierra Leone that is based in the United Kingdom, FFC has not relented in making over one hundred children to stay in school. This is in line with government’s commitment to provide affordable and quality education to all children in Sierra Leone.
Parents, Guardians and well-wishers were fortunate to witness the distribution of learning and other school-going materials to one hundred children that are drawn from various primary and secondary schools. The all important ceremony was held on Saturday September 18, 2010 at the Foursquare Gospel Church, Peter Lane Freetown. The materials are meant for the 2010 – 2011 academic year.
In his opening remarks, the chairperson Mr. Alhaji Mohamed Kanneh, pointed out that parents of all kind have the legal right to empower their children with education, adding that education is the best gift parents can ever present to their children. He admonished the beneficiaries that those schooling materials should be handled with all care so as to create room for more advance development in their lives. “Many children,’ he said, “are yearning for such an opportunity that is now in your hand.”
Among the items that were distributed were school bags, clothing, uniforms, crepes, shoes and exercise books.
The Country Director for FFC Mr. Peter B. Kargbo said that at the moment they are operating within the city of Freetown but have plans to extend this charitable stride to provincial level. “We have carried out proletariat programme to delve into the difficulties that push many children to the streets,” he explained. Mr. Kargbo disclosed that they supported about 28 children in the previous year of whom 25 emerged with colourful results to next classes and that this they have prepared for hundred children of whom school fees and things will be paid for. He also said that every child needs education whether formal or non-formal. In outlining the activities that are carried on by the organization, Mr. Kargbo said that tracing and relief process have been part of the numerous activities they conduct. After which, he forewarned all participants who were parents that children must be cared for in all ways possible.
“When children lack the basic schooling materials as those FFC is presenting, learning will appear to be almost impossible,” Mr. Kargbo pointed out.
Councillor Ella Winifred Cummings of the Freetown City Council said it is the hope of President Koroma and the City Council to provide adequate education for all. She condemned the act of child labour and child trafficking which Council will not tolerate in the city. Madam Cummings admonished those going to the provinces to get children that will accompany the blind to stop immediately because the child will get frustrated. “The good effort of FFC should not go in vain. We need to encourage our children to go to school so that they make Sierra Leone a better place for all.”
The General Overseer of Foursquare Gospel Church, Pastor Peter Massa Kargbo who spoke on behalf of the Board, encourage children to make good use of their education, and noted further that this will help them improve in the future. He warned parent to stop the notion of sending their children to the street to bring food for the home, this, he went on will destroy the future of children. “We should not encourage our children to sell in the street at night.
FFC’s Advocacy Officer, Sitta Foday-Musa encouraged children to follow the rules and regulations of their schools, and further note the fact that they should know about their culture and study well. “Whatever sacrifice you are making now will yield you a brighter future,” she said, and concluded by stressing that the items are meant for vulnerable children. One of the beneficiaries, Isha Kamara gave the vote of thanks.
by Fadda Bakish
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