By Foday Moriba Conteh
‘Empowered Women Empower Women’ a feminist organization, in partnership with ‘No Child Left Behind Initiative’, has on Saturday 9th May, 2020 embarked on a Coronavirus sensitization drive and distribution of food items which includes Rice, Maggi, Onions etc. and facial masks to the less privileged children within the Adonkia community. The event took place at the Goderich Community Centre in Freetown.
Addressing the beneficiaries, Vice President of ‘Empowered Women Empower Women’ Dorren Barrie said as part of their support towards combating the coronavirus in the country the two organizations saw the need to embark on sensitization drives and distribution of food items and facial masks targeting over 200 children.
She stated that at a time like this when the coronavirus is ravaging the country the welfare of children should be considered as very important, adding that handing washing, social distancing and the use of facial masks are very important towards curtailing the spread of the virus in the country.
“In that regard we also used the opportunity to educate the children on hand washing and the use of facial masks,” she furthered.
She stated that the intervention of these organizations in the fight is a clear manifestation that they care for the welfare of children even in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak, which she said is indicative of the fact that they are committed to contribute to the socio-economic development of children and the nation as a whole.
She expressed appreciation to Mrs. Jennifer Adeshola Thomason ,who happens to be the pioneer of these organizations saying she has been working tremendously in order to support less privilege children across the country.
She also admonished the parents and the children to strictly practice what the Government, through the Ministry of Health and Sanitation and other stakeholders have put together in terms of the protective measures in order to curtail the spread of the coronavirus in the country.
One of the beneficiaries, Fatamata Bangura expressed appreciation to the two organizations for the gesture which she described as very timely , adding that as it now things are not really easy. She narrated how she normally sells just to put food on their table, but said with the donation received it will help them greatly. She also called on other humanitarian organizations and individuals to follow the footsteps of these organizations during a crucial moment like this.
Abu Kanu, a parent of one of the beneficiaries, also expressed appreciation for the donation which he also said is not only important but a timely move by these organizations.
He also urged citizens to adhere to all preventive measures in order for us a nation to combat the deadly virus in the country in order for things to become normal again.
