African Child Trust(ACT) foundation in partnership with Jesus to all Nation Webuye church has donated blankets and mattresses to orphans and widows living in Webuye, Bungoma County to use during this Covid-19 period.
While addressing the press Thursday in Webuye town after handing over the donations to more than 50 beneficiaries under the project from western Kenya, Bishop Humphrey Wanyama said they had taken the initiative after discovering that many orphans had no beddings as the novel Covid-19 pandemic bites.
“We have decided to give them mattresses and blankets to improve their livelihood especially this season when the world is battling Covid 19 pandemic,’’ Bishop Wanyama who is the organization’s director general in Kenya explained.
He stated that apart from donating mattresses and blankets, widows were assisted with foodstuffs to cushion them against Covid-19 repercussions.“A part from giving them beddings, they have received soap, sugar and tea leaves,’’ he said.
He stated that the ACT foundation is also funding school fees for more than 50 bright orphans, adding that the organisation will continue supporting children from vulnerable backgrounds who excel in their exams.
“The organisation does not only donate relief foodstuffs to vulnerable homes but it supports good performing students too in fees payment,” he assured.
However, he expressed concern over the large number of girls who continue to conceive during this Covid -19 season saying they are ruining their future. He added that concerted efforts has to be taken to curb the menace of teenage pregnancy.
His sentiments were echoed by Pastor Johnston Oketa who urged parents to impart Christian values on their children besides counselling them to prevent them from engaging in social vices.
Beneficiaries led by Purity Wakhungu lauded the move by ACT organization to remember them during this trying times adding: “I take this opportunity to thank Bishop Wanyama and ACT for helping us since Covid-19 has affected us negatively. most of us are rationing food and often sleeping on empty stomachs,’’ she said.
An orphan Teresa Nelima said that ACT has been giving them relief food since the death of their parents.
By Maureen Imbayi
