The orphans care project coordinator of Barrow Kunda Beakanyang Kafo (BKBK), Mr Nfamara Jawneh, on Thursday paid a courtesy call on the Director of Social Welfare, Mrs Fanta Bai Secka, at her office in Banjul.

Speaking at the meeting, Mr Jawneh said the purpose of his visit was to brief Madam Secka about their project operation in the Upper River Region and to forge partnership with the Department of Social Welfare as well as solicit their support.

He added that the project seeks to provide free education, basic health care, food supplements and clothing to orphans.

Mr Jawneh said they also intend to expand their activities to at least 10 communities in the Upper River Region.

For her part, Madam Secka applauded Beakanyang for the laudable initiative, describing it as a step in the right direction.

The government is very much concerned about the welfare of these children mostly in protecting them from child abuse and exploitation,” she stressed.

She revealed that a survey that her department conducted in 2004 identified the URR as one of the most concentrated regions in the country with the highest number of orphans.

The social welfare boss also noted that the emergence of Beakayang in that part of the country to cater for the needs of the orphans as a way of complementing government’s efforts is indeed commendable, saying that the rights and welfare of orphans should always be protected.

She encouraged BKBK to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with her department so as to draw a roadmap as to how the two institutions could work together in a productive manner. She urged the organisation to liaise with the social welfare desk officer in the URR.

Mr Fall Sowe, Social Welfare Deputy Director, expressed similar sentiments.

Coordinator Jawneh was accompanied to the social welfare director by the National Assembly Member for Wuli East, Hon. Bekai Camara, who assured Beakanyang of his continued support. “Wuli East and West are of the same people,” Hon. Camara said.

Mr Mamadi Barrow, Beakanyang Kombo chapter chairperson, graced the occasion.

Beakanyang is a registered community based organisation operating in the Upper River Region to promote and facilitate education, health and agriculture.

Those interested in walking with Beakanyang in any of these three areas can contact them on 9868882.