Xmas In Danger For Children In Orphanages

Hundreds of children in government orphanages are in danger of missing out on Christmas celebrations due to a chronic lack of funds.

Christmas, an annual Christian commemoration of the birth of Jesus, is one of the most anticipated periods on the calendar, partly because it is usually characterised by abundance of foods and drinks in many homes.

An annual ritual of giving and receiving among individuals, groups and organisations is also performed during this period.

However, inmates of the Osu Children Home, Tamale Children’s Home and the Kumasi Children’s Home risk being cut off from this year’s celebrations if the public does not come to their aid financially and materially.

Mr Godwin Mensah (Togbe Botsoa ll), the Assistant director of the Department of Social Welfare (DSW), which is responsible for running government orphanages in the country, told The Mirror that “We are relying largely on public support and generosity because the allocation from government its meagre.”

Mr Mensah called on philanthropist, well-wishers and corporate bodies to support government orphanages and also private ones across the country to enable their inmates to enjoy the Yuletide.

He especially called for the donation of money, food, clothing and school fees for some inmates who attend universities, polytechnics and senior high and basic schools.

Mr Mensah said due to inadequate government allocation and dwindling support from the international community, it was imperative that the public continued to donate to orphanages even after the Christmas period.

The DSW Assistant Director said, “It is becoming more and more difficult to run the homes.”

“Life is even easier for inmates during Christmas because there is usually a lot of donation from Christian groups. But after Christmas, the donations cease. The Osu Children’s Home is a bit lucky because they tend to get some donations. Those at Tamale (Children’s Home) are suffering. Even private orphanages are suffering because many of them call to complain that they can’t pay their staff.”

Mr Mensah said regular donations from the public throughout the year would help improve the quality of life of inmates at orphanages in the country.

“Their health will improve if they eat quality food and they won’t feel alienated,” he said.

Source: The Mirror