Monrovia – The President of the Liberia National Association of the Deaf is calling on government to support the association through the allocation of funds in the country’s national budget.
Speaking at the national headquarters of the association Mr. Jallah Karbbah said the Association was being abandoned by the government for over ten years since its reestablishment after the civil war.
“Since the reestablishment of the association, we have not received any funds from the government,” Karbbah said.
“We have been surviving through the support of our sister association in the United States along with NGO’s and partners in Liberia,” he added.
At the Association’s 27th anniversary held in Neezoe, Paynesville over the weekend, the President said it was important for the government to extend its helping hands to other people with hearing deficiency in rural Liberia.
He noted that though the association has achieved in its existence by providing education and advocacy on behalf of the deaf and also extending its branch in 14 countries in Africa.
He said deaf people are meaningful contributors to society and should be empowered to contribute to the national growth and development of Liberia.
He used the occasion to call on all well-meaning Liberians to provide scholarships and funds to help improve their lives.
He said the Association has supported 13 members who graduated from the YMCA in technical skills.
He also added that eight members are currently benefiting from a scholarship scheme initiated through its advocacy in colleges/universities.
Serving as guest speaker, Joel Runnel, said the association can achieve success through national unity and togetherness, which he said will bring peace among members.
Runnel, the general manager of the Oscar Remeo School for the Deaf /Mary’s meal Liberia urged all deaf people in Liberia to work along with their counterpart if they must succeed in their goals and objectives in achieving quality education and discipline.
He added that peace, unity and discipline would buttress the effort of its partners for good working relationship.
Report by Augustine Tweh /0886603255-0770182298