Liberia: UN provides treats and encouragement to orphans at holiday celebration

Using end-of-the-year holidays as an occasion to help the local population, the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Liberia (UNMIL) organized a celebration for over 200 orphans, providing treats, entertainment and encouragement about their potential to become great adults.

Hosted by UNMIL's Public Information office, the festivities on Sunday featured football matches, sack races and a dance competition enjoyed by the boys and girls of the Bishop Judith Craig Children's Village orphanage. A live band played contemporary African songs and Christmas carols during a show which also featured comedian George Boutini and a cultural group formed by the mission.

Presenting gifts to the children, UNMIL Force Chief-of-Staff Brigadier-General Thommy Goransson said, “I am very happy be here to celebrate the holidays with future leaders of Liberia.” He told participating in the football game that he hoped “to see some of you playing one day for Liberia in the World Cup.”

Lieutenant-Colonel Nick Kporku, who commands UNMIL's Ghanaian battalion, said that his contingent was proud to be helping to move the peace process forward in Liberia. In addition to its own donations, the Ghanaian contingent distributed gifts from Worldvision-Ghana, a non-governmental organization (NGO).

UNMIL Radio also donated books, T-shirts, footballs and baseball caps to the youngsters, whose cheerful demeanors were treasured by organizers. “The children's smiles were a gift for all us in UNMIL Public Information,” said Russell Geekie, the mission's Public Information Officer-in-Charge.

During the programme, UNMIL teamed up with residents of the orphanage to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. The older girls of the orphanage prepared a drama about HIV/AIDS in Liberia. Oretha Juwle, from the UNMIL HIV/AIDS Unit, offered them age-appropriate information on the issue.