West African governments are facing a deluge of obstacles that are hindering economic stabilization. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have estimated that over 11,300 deaths in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia were caused by the Ebola virus. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) has recently declared all three of these countries free of the Ebola virus, the widespread casualties have left an urgent need to provide food and shelter for thousands of orphaned children.
Ebola orphans face poverty and a bleak future unless someone reaches out to help them. In many cases, children who have lost both parents to the devastating Ebola virus manage to survive only because they have an older sibling who has taken charge. Often children themselves, these determined and resilient young ‘leaders’ provide food and care to their younger siblings despite their own grief and challenges. In some cases, two or three little ones are depending on their heroic older sibling for survival. Who can help but admire such tenacity?
A child should not be forced to continue in a parental role indefinitely. These children deserve help. Through hard work and perseverance they have kept their brothers and sisters alive. They have done so under circumstances that would make most adults cringe; but we must remember that they are still children.
Who wouldn’t feel privileged to help these brave children? They are Africa’s future. They each have enormous leadership potential. There is no limit to what they can accomplish with some support and an opportunity to finish their education.
Various charitable organizations are providing as much help as they can. Many of these organizations are comprised of people who live and work amidst the post-Ebola turmoil; they know what needs to be done. The support they provide is limited only by the amount of funding they receive. Every single donation (no matter how large or how small) will help more children thrive. The future of Africa lies in the hands of these future leaders. These leaders will develop a better Africa—one where all children have food, shelter and the opportunity to get an education.
Develop Africa is providing complete, on-going care to deserving orphaned children. This care covers everything: food, clothing, medical care, school-related expenses, counseling and psycho-social support.
We invite you to make a difference. We invite you to join our family and help us raise these children. Help Take Care of Deserving Orphans
Source: http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/outbreaks/2014-west-africa/case-counts.html
