Humanitarian Group CEDS gives to Needy, Disabled Children

In continuation of its humanitarian services which started few years back, the Children Education and Development Support (CEDS) has identified with needy and disabled children at the African Christian Fellowship International (ACFI) run Oscar and Viola Stewart Mission School.

As part of its humanitarian gesture rendered to the school on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, CEDS with support from the Needs Centers based in Tewksbury, Massachusetts in the United States of America (USA), provided some assorted food items, medical supplies and clothing for use by children of the institution.

Speaking at the donation ceremony held at the ACFI Compound in Kebah Community in Barnersville, the Chief Executive Officer of CEDS, Alexis T. Worji, asserted that the initiative is geared towards drawing attention to the neglected kids in society, whose parents and guardians find it increasingly difficult in catering to their daily needs.

According to him, the organization is run through 15 percent each of funds from the monthly salary of him and his wife’s salaries.

“I feel so passionate about doing these things that we do as an organization. This organization came into existence as a result of the passion my wife and I have for children. I have also had my own disability on my eye before, but thank God for the opportunity that was given me to do an operation on it. I believe that thousands of these kids will not have the same opportunity like me to travel abroad to solve their problems but need support. So my wife and I decided to use 15 percent each of our salaries to support these children with disabilities,” said Mr. Worji.

“Our vision is to get to kids not only in Montserrado but across the country. I hope that the Commission on Disabilities will create a department for children with disabilities that we can interact with directly as we go on to run our program,” he pointed out.

Also on the agenda of CEDS, Mr. Worji explained that plans are underway for the construction of a complex for safe home for children with disabilities.

Harris S. Kpardeh, Country Coordinator of CEDS recalled that since its establishment, CEDS has rendered several humanitarian services such as the provision of drugs to the James David (JD) Hospital and the country’s biggest referral center, the John F. Kennedy Medical Center (JFK).

In addition, he indicated that the organization has gone into homes to support abandoned children and less privileged kids by providing them with daily square meal.

Mr. Kpardeh then noted that the gesture to ACFI is worth h over thousands of United States Dollars, adding that the selection of the institution was based on a humanitarian point of view void of favoritism.

Denise D. Worji, Director for Child Services of CEDS, says the venture of CEDS has lifted lots of kids to higher heights.

In remarks, the Executive Director of the National Commission of Disabilities (NCD), Madam PayeBayee lauded CEDS for complementing government’s effort in catering to the disabled.

Such support, she said would help to ensure equitable participation especially so as children with disabilities need accessibility and support to be on par with their peers.

“I'm so happy that CEDS was able to think on disabilities. To have prioritized these kids means a lot. This is an effort that you will never regret. The Commission remains opened to work with you in your different programs. We are happy to work with you,” the NCD boss told the humanitarian group amid cheers.

For his part, the Principal of ACFI, Pastor Harrington Jududoe joined the NCD boss in thanking CEDS for the move and with the hope and prayers for future donations.

“I want thank you for looking back home for God has a resting place for you. ACFI has four high schools in Liberia but because of the way we operate people thing that we are an NGO so we don't get help. The opportunity for deaf is low and so we have to give them chance. In this vein, we want to again thank you for having the heart to help. This will help the country because these children will be a help to society and not liabilities.”