MONROVIA – The president of Orphans Union of Liberia, Rev. Alexander N. Stemn, is calling on Liberian president George to increase financial support to orphanages across the country.
Rev. Stemn said orphanages in Liberia are being operating without support from the government or the international partners for a long time. The lack of support especially from government is making life difficult for operators of orphanages, he said.
“We are not getting anything from the government or the donor community. We won’t be able to take good care of these children without any support,” he noted.
He said with adequate support from government, orphans would become better citizens and contribute to the development agenda of the country.
According to him, the poor condition of orphans across Liberia is alarming and needs the attention of every citizens.
Rev. Stemn claimed budget meant for orphanages in Liberia which falls under the Gender Ministry has not being used for its intended purpose in recent years, something he wants the current leadership at the ministry to investigate.
“Since last year we have not received anything from the Gender Ministry and we know very well there is money intended for us so, we are calling on the Minister at Gender Ministry to look into this issue,” Rev. Stemn said.
For her part, the owner of Sis Lye Children’s Home added that the lack of support recently from the government of Liberia toward orphanages is a major contributing factor for the increase of disadvantaged youth commonly known as “Zogos”.
According to her, government program of tackling the growing numbers of disadvantaged youth and the intake of drugs should first start with sufficient support for orphans and orphanages across the country.
“Over the years government withdraw support to orphanages in the country while they are at the same time complaining on the higher increase of drug users.”
“They do not understand the need of the children that are in those various homes, they are there crying with Zogos, but don’t want to care for the ones that are in the orphanages,” she added.
She said orphanages in Liberia are being poorly run with low amount of food and other materials because they are being operated from the pocket of individuals, which she said is causing embarrassment for the country’s image.