Children in Salala, Bong County, have received several anti-Covid-19 items from Women for Positive Actions (WOPA), a non-governmental organisation (NGO).
WAPO, in collaboration with a Liberian lawmaker, Moima Mensah, distributed shoes, slippers, nose masks and sanitisers to needy children in Salala, Mensah’s legislative district.
Covid-19 has had a devastating effect on marginalised communities and educational systems of many developing countries, including Liberia.
During the peak of the pandemic in Liberia, many parents and guardians either lost their jobs or were given compulsory leaves from their institutions.
‘This is not much but I believe it will help in a long way. Our organisation is striving but we see it fit to always reach out, especially to underprivileged [children]’, WOPA’s Chief Executive Officer, Catherine Gbidi, said.
‘Imagine some of these children going out days, weeks and sometimes even months without slippers. This is heartbreaking, and no child should go through these horrible experiences’.
Gbidi thanked her partners – Pastor Carmelia Shipp, Gabrielle Rose, Kroger Health and Jewellery and the founder of We Dream In Colour Foundation, Dr Quinton de’Alexander – for providing the items.
She also urged the Ministry of Gender to continue to help local civil society organisations in building their capacity to support government in its development agenda.
Founded in 2016, WOPA addresses violation of human rights, gender-based violence (GBV), and other challenges that women, girls and children face.
It also seeks to inspire and equip Liberians against societal ills and poverty through civic education and training.
Source: WOPA
Photo source: WOPA