FOCEM

Non-Profit Organizations Charity Organizations

Click here to send a message to the organization

23276602174

PRESS RELEASE (23/10/14)

FOCEM FOUNDATION LAUNCHED IN FREETOWN

The Foundation for children of Ebola affected medical workers (FOCEM) was officially launched in Freetown today by the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs, Hon. Mustapha Bai Atilla at Santanno House, Howe Street. The occasion was chaired by Mr. Winstanley Bankole Johnson, former Mayor of Freetown, who is also a Trustee of the Foundation.

The National Coordinator, Mr. Andrew Keili gave a rundown of FOCEM’s activities, espousing its objectives of giving out educational scholarships to children of medical workers who had lost the battle to Ebola. According to him, FOCEM was committed to spending a minimum of Le100 million from contributions from its current membership. This could conceivably rise to Le300m with additional membership and fund raising activities. The organisation is non political and has membership from all regions of the country. Scholarships will cover all educational levels from primary school to University. FOCEM is collecting statistics from the Health Ministry and relevant MDAs on potential recipients and would also welcome applications from potentially qualified recipients.

In her statement the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Sarian Kamara mentioned that the death of medical workers in Sierra Leone from EVD was unprecedented and alarming at the onset of the outbreak. Steps were now being taken by the Health Ministry to address many problems encountered by Health workers. Their salaries and conditions of service have been reviewed and protection and training have been enhanced. 152 patients have been discharged from the Hastings Treatment centre wholly manned by Sierra Leonean medical workers. She was enthused by the ideals of FOCEM and would herself contribute to the Foundation’s work.

In his keynote address Hon Atilla said his Ministry was in the forefront of social mobilisation campaigns related to the Ebola fight. Her Ministry would protect women, girls and vulnerable groups. He stressed the need for discipline to fight this disease. FOCEM’s programme was in line with his Ministry’s objectives of protecting future generations. “You cannot fail with educational programmes”, he affirmed.

FOCEM recognises that the Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone has disproportionately affected our health care workers. This includes medical doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians, cleaners etc.
FOCEM specifically focuses on meeting the educational needs of children left behind by EVD related deceased health care workers. FOCEM is non-political and non-religious and its remit extends to all areas of Sierra Leone. Its membership is open to all who want to contribute to our goal of helping the children of our health care workers who have fallen in our nation’s war against EVD.

A total of eight scholarships were provided for qualified recipients from various areas of the country. Michael Kawa and Aminata Kargbo of Model Secondary school in Freetown and 8 year old Joshua George of FBC Primary school were the first recipients of the scholarship from the Western Area who received their awards in person. Foday Aruna Kallon of Bo School was the recipient from Kailahun, Bamarch Fonnie of Henrietta Private school in Kenema was the recipient for Kenema. Finda Yeani Sannoh of Holy Rosary Primary school Kenema was the recipient from Bo and Rabbiatu Thulla of Church of God Primary school Makeni, represented Bombali District. Additional scholarships will be issued before the start of the school year.