In line with its commitment towards ensuring the well being of every Edo resident, the Edo State Government, through the Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues, has trained members of staff of FAMMAC Sheltering Arms and Orphanage Home in Igarra, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area on the guiding principles of orphanage homes.
The Commissioner for Social Development and Gender Issues, Hon. Christabel Omoh Ekwu who was represented by the Director of Child Development Department, Kate Bello, described orphanage homes as places where children without parents and relations between the ages of 0-18 find shelter and acceptance, encouraging the managers of such homes to always ensure that the children in their custody are always happy and accepted rather than stigmatized.
Furthermore, Hon. Christabel advised the newly employed care givers at the orphanage home to be dutiful and selfless in the discharge of their duties and shun every form of sharp practice, as it is against the rules of the orphanage homes.
The commissioner asserted that all the children in the home belonged to the state government and therefore should not be exposed to any form of maltreatment or abuse, emphasizing that all practices in orphanage homes should be for the best interest of the children and not for the enrichment of the proprietors.
“Every child in the orphanage home belongs to the government; don’t give out any child to anyone in exchange for money, it is totally against the rules”, Hon. Christabel warned.
The commissioner emphasized on the need for proper documentation, as this remained an integral factor in the successful running of every orphanage home, adding that orphanage homes should have professionals like social workers who would effectively handle the psychology and cognitive abilities of the children.
Responding to the teachings, the manager of FAMMAC Sheltering Arms and Orphanage Home, Tomo Comfort promised to work in accordance with the rules guiding the operations of orphanage homes in Edo State.
Highpoint of the training was a guided tour round the orphanage home
