By James Innocent
Executive Director of Kikiji National Orphanage in Yei Dominic Living Wawa, is appealing for urgent support to the orphans as the economic challenges continue to deepen.
The orphanage, which provides shelter, education, and care for orphans, is struggling to meet even their most basic needs. With rising food prices and limited resources, the situation has become serious.
Wawa reported that a growing number of children under his care are going to bed with empty stomachs, urging individuals, organizations, and the international community for support to alleviate the suffering of the children.
“The reality we are facing is alarming,” Wawa stated. “Many children are suffering from food shortages, and this is forcing some into child marriage while others are compelled to live on the streets to survive.”
As the orphanage struggles with dwindling resources, the impact on the children’s education is also becoming evident.
Last term, the organization registered several cases of children dropping out of school due to lack of support.
Wawa stated that education is not just a fundamental right, but a necessity for the children to break the cycle of poverty.
According to the founder, they have registered more than 2718 orphans (1009 boys and 1709 girls) and most of them are girls within Yei River County but due to limited resources, the orphanage is only supporting 118 of them.
He mentioned that the economic situation has affected them, making it difficult to sustain the orphans. As a result of hunger, one of the orphan girls attempted to commit suicide.
“We cannot allow our future generation to lose hope,” Wawa urged. “I call upon the government, churches, individuals, and partners to join us in this critical mission of supporting the vulnerable children of our country. They need food, education, and the opportunity to thrive.”
Despite the difficulties, Wawa remains committed to instilling hope in the children.
“I want to advise our children to hold onto hope. They are the future of this country, and with our collective support, brighter days are ahead.”