Orphanages seek government’s support

Sarat Abdulsalam for The Guardian Newspaper
 

THE Federal Government has been urged to support orphanages to enable them provide for  the children in their care. The Administrative Officer of Little Saints Orphanage, Egbeda, Mrs. Bose Ogunbanjo and an official at SOS Children’s Village, Isolo, Mrs. Bolanle Nassar, bemoaned inadequate support of government to their organizations.

At the Little Saints Orphanage, Egbeda District, Mrs. Ogunbanjo commended individuals and corporate organisations for their visit and donations to the home.
“ Assistance has always been from individuals and corporate organizations but the Federal Government has not been responsive to several mails sent by the orphanage.

“For the fact that the government licensed individuals to take part in caring for orphans, does not mean it would not give its support, even if it is a stipend. We cannot rely only on donations from non-governmental organisations,” she added.
She said the organization was occasionally faced with financial problems.

“Before the children went on vacation, we owed school fees for two terms. We could not pay until someone came to our rescue. In fact, some had to stay at home for two weeks or more and when we could not bear it again, we changed schools for the children.

“Besides, there is also the problem of feeding since we have older boys, who naturally eat more than expected,” she maintained.
She, however, thanked God that despite all odds, the children had remained in private schools, including those in universities.

On the other hand, Mrs. Bolanle Nassar at SOS Children’s Village lamented that participation of government in the orphanage was very low.
“Over 60 per cent of our budget comes from our international office in Austria and we source for the remaining 40 per cent, which is through donations.”

One of the children from Little Saints Orphanage, Godwin Jackson, a Senior Secondary School - Three pupil of Legacy High School, Lagos, said “government has to take care of us also since we are also citizens of this country.”

All of them, however lent their voices to call on the Federal Government to give adequate support needed to actualize a befitting life for the children.