June 18, 2015 By Michael Bockarie
Five children at risk have received scholarship from the Association for Women and Children at Risk (AWCR), a local non-government organisation working to create a nation where women and children are assured of their rights.
Executive Director of the organisation, Victoria Renner, during her statement to commemorate the Day of the African Child on the theme: “Accelerating our collective efforts to end child marriage in Africa” at the organization’s 125 Circular Road office in Freetown, noted that the beneficiaries include a 10 year-old Ebola orphan, Othaim Conteh, who lost both parents, and 7 year-old amputee, Joan Jackson.
Ms. Renner said the organisation also supported six women at risk who are gardeners with seedlings, proceeds from which they hope will support their children in school as a means to avoid early marriage.
She noted that some parents in the past used to give their children into early marriage due to poverty, but expressed hope that many parents would have learnt the need to allow their children to finish school.
In his presentation, Administrative Officer in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Aiah Lebbie, underscored the need for education and urged parents to eschew all forms of early marriage.
Receiving the seedlings on behalf of the other five women at risk from the Bonchor Market community, Chairlady Quye Kamara expressed her gratitude to AWCR for the donations.