Kenya orphans need aid

NAIROBI. — Kenya’s First Lady Margaret Kenyatta yesterday called on the donor community to support programmes aimed at uplifting the lives of 2,6 million orphans in the country. Speaking during a tour of SOS Children’s Villages in Nairobi with visiting Nigerian First Lady Dr. Patience Jonathan, Kenyatta promised to dedicate some of her time to improve the welfare of children in the country.

“Just yesterday (Thursday) I was requested and accepted to become the Ambassador for the Children of Kenya; it is a duty that I humbly accept and I promise to dedicate my time in improving the lives of our children in whatever way I can. It is only through them that we can build a secure future for Kenya,” she said.

The request was made by the President of Children’s Assembly Miss Janet Mkandoe during a children’s art and photography exhibition in Nairobi.

Orphanage life means that millions of children are unnecessarily at risk of the widespread dangers of living in institutions, including rape, exploitation, trafficking and beatings.

In Kenya, a combination of a lack of money, physical abuse, the effects of HIV/Aids and last year’s inter-tribal violence are taking their toll. Many orphaned children are forced onto the streets are pushed into a life of crime.

It’s estimated that over 2.4 million orphans are in living in the country, 47 percent are orphaned as a result of HIV/Aids and many more remain vulnerable due to several other factors.

SOS Children’s Villages Kenya provides long- term family- based care for about 1,000 children and youths and supports over 6,000 children through community programs.

“I call upon the children that have been given the opportunity to grow within the SOS Children’s Villages to strive and build a strong foundation for their future. This can only be attained by being disciplined, committed and investing in your education,” she said. – Xinhua.