Sydney local Carly Learson has joined the fight against Ebola in West Africa. The Australian media officer joined the ranks of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Liberia, where many children have lost either one or both parents to the virus.
For Christmas, Ms Learson helped mobilise the funds donated by UN agencies and NGOs around the world to hold parties for the thousands of children affected by the aftermath of the disease.
Local NGO Department of Children and Families (DCF) organised 14 parties around Montserrado, the area that was hardest hit by Ebola.
DCF founder Victor Faiyah developed the idea after seeing how children were suffering in Westpoint and other communities.
“The whole community is suffering – people have gone months without an income and they’re trying to cope with the loss of their loved ones,” he said.
“The children who have lost their parents are suffering from grief, and for many it’s a struggle to survive on their own.
“We didn’t want these children to spend Christmas thinking about what they’ve gone through. It should be a happy day.
“The UN and NGO staff have been so supportive in making this happen.”
Staff from UN agencies in Liberia, New York, Belarus and Turkey, as well as other NGOs, all contributed funds, along with individuals’ donations from around the world.
The funds were used to provide lunch, drinks, presents and entertainment for thousands of children.
Donations flowed after staff were informed of the situation – that there were children who had lost their parents, who had nowhere to live and who would have otherwise had a very miserable Christmas.
‘It’s been hard since my parents died’
Abraham lost both his parents to the virus, and now looks after his little sister with the help of relatives. He loves football and school.
He said it was great to celebrate Christmas with all his friends from the community.
“It’s been hard since my parents died, and some of my friends also lost their parents,” he said.
“I hope that after Christmas we can go back to school.”
Sarafina Davis’ sister died from the Ebola virus, leaving three children behind. She took them in, but said it was hard to support them.
“I love the children – they’re smart, they’re great,” she said.
“But it’s a struggle – I’m alone and my income is very low. We do need some help here in Westpoint.”
Samelia, Lina and Yona Urey lost both their parents to Ebola. They now live with their sister and her other children.
For the Christmas party, twins Lina and Yona showed off the new hairpieces they received.
Two parties were held on Christmas Eve.
Each child received a special lunch of rice, chicken, popcorn, juice and biscuits, as well as small toys.
They danced to Christmas carols and competed in sack races and lime and spoon races, while Liberian film star Frank Artus stopped by to entertain the kids.
Twelve more parties were planned for Christmas Day.
Donations are expected to raise about $US8,000 in total.