MONROVIA. July18 (LINA) – The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has dedicated an Interim Care Center for Children to take care of those whose parents were affected by or died of the COVID-19 disease.
Speaking in Monrovia over the weekend during the dedication ceremony, Gender, Children and Social Protection Minister Williametta Saydee-Tarr, said the government is well pleased to have such facilities for children whose parents were affected by the virus outbreak.
She added that the aim of providing such institution is to help reduce the poverty level among Liberian children.
According to her, the ministry has the cardinal and primary responsibility during disaster or disease outbreak like COVID-19 to provide conducive and enabling environment for kids who are affected and need social protection.
The Minister revealed that some individuals who will be employed at the institution include nurses, social workers, education staff, among others, to enhance the opportunity of learning, feeding, recreation or stimulation, and provision of essential materials for the children.
The center is not for everybody who gets affected from the virus but those families who are affected and are actually unable to take care of their children, Tarr emphasized.
She said there was no need to stigmatize anyone, adding that “all we need as a people Is to follow the health protocols, and the life you save might be yours.”
Tarr, however, appreciated UNICEF, National Civil Society, and SOS Children’s Village for their continued support to the children of Liberia.
Meanwhile, UNICEF Representative to Liberia, Laila O. Gad, said she was really happy to work with the Liberian government to help elevate those kids whose parents have suffered from the COVID-19.
She expressed heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the Ministry of Gender and Ministry of Health for focusing in the direction of the Liberian kids.
According to her, this is the first of its kind for such opportunity to come the way of Liberian children in the midst of a terrible disease.
The UNICEF Representative said only thirty children will be accommodated at the facility, adding that the program will run for six months.
