ADDIS ABABA- First Lady Zinash Tayachew stressed the increasing need for expanding facilities that could award orphaned children with standard living as she laid cornerstone for the construction of Kuskuam Children’s Village this afternoon .
Unless all stakeholders join forces and take practical steps today to the care and safety of needy children, the daunting repercussion on the society and the country is imminent eventually, she said.
Up on completion of the Village, Children who are at Zewditu Meshehsa Children’s and Family Charity and Development Association would be relocated to the Village, according to her.
The First Lady and Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed visited the orphanage at the eve of Ethiopian Christmas (Ganna) [January 06/2019].
“It was heartbreaking to me, both as a mother and as a citizen, to see kids sharing small room at the center.”
The facility worth 10.2 million Birr would therefore award a new lease of life to the children, she added.
She also expressed hope that the village’s construction will see completion in six months time.
Surafel Wondemu, Project Coordinator, explained that the village would comprise various facilities including dormitory to children under the age of seven and another one for children above seven years of age; training centers, recreational hub, library and the like.
Expressing her feeling, Zewditu said she has nothing to say except extending her warm wishes to the premier and the first lady. “God bless our beloved country!”
The Association was in critical condition as children’s dormitory, mill house and other property were burned to ground on December 15, it was learnt.
The village will have expansion works and the total cost may increase to 16. 7 million Birr, it was hinted.
BY WORKU BELACHEW
