By Sylvester Renner | Project Leader
Dear Project Supporters,
A silent and huge repercussion of the Ebola crisis is the emergence of Ebola orphans. Ebola orphans are defined as children below the age of 18 who, due to the Ebola epidemic, have lost the primary earner or bread-winner in the family. In many homes, both parents have passed away due to Ebola.
Over the past 3-4 months, through YOUR support, we have been taking care of several Ebola orphans - 4 of them pictured. Thanks to your support, we are providing on-going food, maintenance, counselling, rehabilitation and support.
From a long term perspective, Ebola orphans are dealing with the emotional loss of losing their parents and or siblings, insecurity, displacement, uncertainty about their future and abandonment, to name a few. A failure to reach out and help these orphans could result in them ending up in crime, teenage pregnancy / marriage, prostitution and other undesirable situations. Orphan girls who are left to fend for themselves could eventually go into early marriage. Some could end up as prostitutes. The orphan boys could become petty thieves or robbers.
The critical need that these orphans are facing right now is stable, on-going housing. In response to this need, we have undertaken the onus of providing an orphanage / home for these deserving children. it is our goal to provide a caring home where these orphans will be able to dream again.
Good News: Thanks to a grant that we just received from GlobalGiving, we have been able to do the following:
1. Pay 1 year's rent for a rental property containing 6 rooms (3 small apartments). This property is conveniently located in the Wellington community. The included photos give you a "before" glimpse into what the building looked like in December.
2. Start extensive renovations on the property to ensure that is safe and sound for the kids.
This property will provide an excellent start and foundation for these orphans. It will provide them with a place they can feel secure and cared for; a place they can call home.
We are hoping to launch this home / orphanage by the end of April - assuming everything stays on target with the renovation. We will keep you updated on progress. Thank you for being a part in significant and this exciting journey.
Would you be interested in helping to provide clothing and other essential supplies for these orphans? Please let us know and we will provide more information. We also welcome your on-going support in taking full care of these orphans.
Best Wishes,
Develop Africa team
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