2021 Day of the African Child; Another Christmas for Two Orphanages in Mbengwi

 2021 Day of the African Child; Another Christmas for Two Orphanages in Mbengwi

Commemorative activities marking this year's edition of the Day of the African Child took place on Wednesday June 16 2021 at A Better World Children's Home, Kajih, Funam, Bome here in Mbengwi central subdivision and involved an exchange visit paid to the kids of A Better World Children's Home by their peers from House of Hope Orphanage, Ngyen-Mbo.

Holding under the international theme "30 Years After the Adoption of the Charter: Accelerate the Implementation of the 2040 Agenda for an Africa Fit for Children" and the national theme "Protect Every Child Against Violence, Exploitation, Negligence and Abuses, A Priority for the Cameroon Government" the Momo Divisional Delegation of Social Affairs prior to the day of commemoration held an educative training session with community leaders.

Family Photo 

Mr. Mbalinga Jonas Fombo, Chief of Social Action Service at the Momo Social Affairs Delegation, speaking to Mbengwi Online traced the origin of the Day of the African Child to 1991 when it was first initiated by the Organisation of African Unity (O.A.U), today's African Union (A.U) that declared every 16 of June  as day to honor those who participated in the Soweto Uprising in 1976. 

According to an online source, Wikipedia, in Soweto, South Africa, on June 16, 1976, about ten thousand black school children marched in a column more than half a mile long, protesting the poor quality of their education and demanding their right to be taught in their own language. Hundreds of them were shot at, killed, wounded and in the protests of the following two weeks,  more than a thousand were injured.

Mr. Mbalinga Jonas Fombo, Chief of Social Action Service at the Momo Social Affairs Delegation

Upon arrival of the expected officials, business began with the children introducing themselves in the course of which they shared their dreams. Many said they wish to become doctors, bankers, ministers, teachers, journalists, accountants, pilots, managers, politicians just to name these few. Unfortunately reality wise, many young Cameroonians grow up to becoming something else, completely different from their childhood dream though there are often few exceptions. 

Madam Ayaba Marvis is the founder of House of Hope Orphanage, Ngyen-Mbo. Asked what lessons she's taking back to her institution after visiting A Better World Children's Home and seeing its set up, she said "I've seen things here that when I go back, I'll learn to practice them such as the noticeboard containing souvenir pictures of various visitors to the orphanage and activities the kids have been carrying out."

Madam Ayaba Marvis (L) Receiving Symbolic Gift from Seta Withgodep Wiertz (M) as Madam Anne (R) Thumps Up

"It's always interesting when you join with people because it gives experience and understanding" she added. "I am happy coming here because I've learnt a lot. I dream one day having an office like his own (referring to that of the founder of A Better World Children's Home) and building rooms where visitors can come and stay" she ended. 

A couple of educative talks were also presented, focusing on abuses children face in society like rape, enslavement, molestation, denial of food, resources, education, corporal punishment etc. They also carried placards carrying messages calling for all forms of abuses they face to be reported, for their rights to be respected and their opinions considered, not to be shouted at, to be respected and encouraged and that their protection is everyone's responsibility.

Kid Displaying Placard with Message on Children's Rights

Cornered by Mbengwi Online at the close of the ceremony to make an evaluation, Mr. Seta Withdodep Wiertz, founder of A Better World Children's Home, the oldest orphanage in Mbengwi said "This has been a very wonderful event whose outcome I never foresaw will be as such. The success is wonderful and immeasurable" He furthered that such exchange visits are very necessary and important for the growth of the children because orphanages are a family and again, it's good for children to interact and share their different skills, experiences and gain exposure to other opportunities by connecting to their peers. 

Marvelled by the various activities performed by the kids to celebrate their day, Seta testified the singing part caught his attention. Hear him; "You know music is life and when children sing, they forget about their past, their painful experiences and the joy revives their souls to think about a better tomorrow." For this reason, he himself being an artist with over 30 songs released, he promised to engage the children of the two orphanages in the release of a high quality video album in the near future.

Seta Withgodep Wiertz, Founder, A Better World Children's Home, Funam, Bome, Mbengwi

The visiting officials were taken round the institution and at every stop, explanations were given. Several uncompleted construction projects are ongoing at A Better World Children's Home like a chapel, hall, dormitories, buckaroos, guest house, toilets and bathrooms. The kids are also trained in income generating activities for their upkeep and skills acquisition in poultry, piggery, farming, rearing of sheep, goats, German shepherds and the like. 

The orphanage according yo its founder has over 60 kids, about 20 currently residing in Kajih while the rest are dotted across the country. Some are in workshops learning a trade, others in high schools and higher institutions of learning like universities and professional school. A few have been recruited into the public service after succeeding in competitive entrance examinations commonly but erroneously referred to as "concours". Next year's edition of the day shall be hosted by House of Hope Orphanage, Ngyen-Mbo.