Who should care for Africa’s orphans?

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Who should care for Africa's orphans?

This week Senegal's parliament passed a bill making children orphaned

by the 2002 Joola ferry disaster " orphans of the nation " .

This means that these 1,900 children will enjoy free healthcare and

education.

According to United Nations children's agency, sub-Saharan Africa has

about 48m orphans, 12m of which have lost one or both parents to

HIV/Aids.

Of these less than 10% receive support or services from outside their

communities and many extended families are finding it difficult to

cope with increasing number of orphans.

Should African governments provide all orphans with free healthcare

and education? Is it a realistic goal? How are orphans looked after

in your country? What do you think can be done to help? Let us know

your views.

A selection of your comments will be broadcast on the BBC's Focus on

Africa programme on Saturday 11 November 2006 at 1700 GMT.

Published: Thursday, 9 November, 2006, 13:58 GMT 13:58 UK

Absolutely,If the orphans grow up without any love guidence or care,

the whole of the African continent is doomed.

They are Africa's future, they must be loved,disiplined and looked

after by the best that the governments money can buy.

But until Africa accepts its responsibilities the children will

suffer and die.

jean, St Helens

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Added: Thursday, 9 November, 2006, 17:47 GMT 17:47 UK

Having seen the disastrous trend that the african continent is

heading towards because of wars, famine, AIDS/HIV etc., it is indeed

imperative for every African government to amend policies in their

constitutions which would provide free healthcare and education for

children. The children are the future and african leaders, especially

the African Union, must see to it that every african nation carry out

policies that will save the african children

ah , Phoenix AZ

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Added: Thursday, 9 November, 2006, 17:41 GMT 17:41 UK

Absolutely. The government has moral obligation of making sure this

orphans get the necessary institutional help in accessing healthcare

and education needs. What moral grounds does government have if it

cannot step in to provide for these orphans. Fate has placed these

children in that predicament. It was not by their choice. Wake up

African leaders.

Ahmed Haji, Burlington, VT USA

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Added: Thursday, 9 November, 2006, 17:32 GMT 17:32 UK

orphan support is widely practiced by extended families in Ethiopia.

Extended family support is more consistent, sustianable and

wholistic. support to children by closer relatives is practiced for

several years and still efffective compaired to insistuion intiated

care which is incomplete, disatsfying, sudenly stoping, lackes

transparency and the like. Therefore, the best way to respond to

orphan care is strengtheinging this tradtional support system

TA, AA

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Added: Thursday, 9 November, 2006, 17:28 GMT 17:28 UK

A state like Gabon has no excuse for abandoning its orphans. Large

GDP, small population; the Government will do well to continue to

invest in the future of the orphans, who also hold a part of the

country's future in their hands! Thanks Senegal, for showing the rest

of Africa the light.

On another note, Kabuya says, " I wish each and every African nation

could flow in the footsteps of Botswana. "

I would like to point out that Botswana has a life expectancy of 33.7

yrs; unemployment at 40% and an HIV rate of 30-40%.

Kwemah Addey, NJ, USa

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Added: Thursday, 9 November, 2006, 17:20 GMT 17:20 UK

orphans being looked after by the government is a good idea but thats

all it will ever be.there are far too many orphans in africa and they

live in the poorest countries in the world.looking after each and

everyone of them will put a strain on the already stuggling countries

which will result in the whole thing coming to a hault.the best thing

is to set small achievable goals than start something that cannot be

sustained.

hazel, milton keynes

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Added: Thursday, 9 November, 2006, 17:00 GMT 17:00 UK

I think it's the government responsibility to take care of these

orphans. Hopefully, the orhpans will pay back to the community when

they grow up.

Kwasi Afriyie Asamoah, New Haven, CT. USA

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Added: Thursday, 9 November, 2006, 16:58 GMT 16:58 UK

With a notoriety for negligence that is akin to most African

governements when it comes to caring for the socially underprivileged

of the society, I think NGOs should continue the task of providing

succour to orphaned children in our society. On her part, the

government should make the necessary dispositions to finance these

NGOs so that some level of sustainability and appropriate care for

orphans should be enforced. NGOs, rather than the government, stands

a better chance to deliver the goods.

Israel Ambe Ayongwa, Bamenda, Cameroon

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Added: Thursday, 9 November, 2006, 16:49 GMT 16:49 UK

Let's face it: Looking after these unfortunate kids is not beyond the

means of any African government. All they have to do is re-order

their priorities. Take Ethiopia: All that that is needed is a

diversion of resources from its military confrontation with Eritrea.

Chad is another example. If it were about resources, there would be

no orphans (or indeed poverty) in Angola and Nigeria. It's about

priorities.

AKPAN, Kent, UK/Nigeria

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Added: Thursday, 9 November, 2006, 15:43 GMT 15:43 UK

Orphans in Botswana are given first class treatment.This makes me

proud of my leaders.They receive free healthcare, free education not

to mention free food ration every month and free school uniform.I

wish each and every African nation could flow in the foot steps of

Botswana.

Wabuya, Nata, Botswana

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Added: Thursday, 9 November, 2006, 15:36 GMT 15:36 UK

Without corruption, it will be a realistic goal. There is nothing

that is impossible if done in the right way. Government intervention

will be very helpful in caring for the orphans. It will be extremely

difficult for friends and family members who are already struggling

on their own to add extra burden. This is were the social welfare

comes in. In Nigeria, there are a few orphange homes but not enough.

They don't get enough funding from the government to carter for more

orphans.

Omorodion Osula, Boston, USA

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Added: Thursday, 9 November, 2006, 15:36 GMT 15:36 UK

Yes, these children should be provided free heath care within the

African nations. These children are the future of Africa, and if

Africa doesn't invest in them--what will happen to them? It is not

the fault of the children that their parents died from a terrible

disease or by the hands of other individuals in war.

The African governments have resources, and they use them. By doing

so, it would be less starvation and death within their countries.

Doherty, Richmond, Virginia

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Added: Thursday, 9 November, 2006, 15:31 GMT 15:31 UK

It is a good idea if the governments in africa can provide free

healthcare and education for orphans but i will like to say that even

some children with parents are not different from the so call orphans

so it will be better to provide for all children and not only orphans.

nike adesola, stockholm,sweden

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Added: Thursday, 9 November, 2006, 15:30 GMT 15:30 UK

I believe that every african child, indeed any child should have

access to free education and healthcare. However, africa is in no

position to provide these services to its people. Decades of erosion

within the political and economic system make this policy unrealistic

in the short term. I cannot imagine the situation changing anytime

soon but if we get our act together it is achievable. We must put the

welfare of our future generations above our immediate desires so

africa can truly progress

umar, london

Added: Thursday, 9 November, 2006, 15:30 GMT 15:30 UK

All orphans in Africa should receive free education and health care.

It is the only way the country will have a chance to prosper. If

children don't have health care, if they live long enough to reach

adulthood, how will they value health and prevent spreading disease

if no one ever took care of them. Education and health go hand in

hand.

Eve, NYC

http://newsforums.bbc.co.uk/nol/thread.jspa?

threadID=4683 & & edition=2 & ttl=20061110104928

[Guest guest]

Who should care for Africa's orphans?

This week Senegal's parliament passed a bill making children orphaned

by the 2002 Joola ferry disaster " orphans of the nation " .

This means that these 1,900 children will enjoy free healthcare and

education.

According to United Nations children's agency, sub-Saharan Africa has

about 48m orphans, 12m of which have lost one or both parents to

HIV/Aids.

Of these less than 10% receive support or services from outside their

communities and many extended families are finding it difficult to

cope with increasing number of orphans.

Should African governments provide all orphans with free healthcare

and education? Is it a realistic goal? How are orphans looked after

in your country? What do you think can be done to help? Let us know

your views.

A selection of your comments will be broadcast on the BBC's Focus on

Africa programme on Saturday 11 November 2006 at 1700 GMT.

Published: Thursday, 9 November, 2006, 13:58 GMT 13:58 UK

Absolutely,If the orphans grow up without any love guidence or care,

the whole of the African continent is doomed.

They are Africa's future, they must be loved,disiplined and looked

after by the best that the governments money can buy.

But until Africa accepts its responsibilities the children will

suffer and die.

jean, St Helens

Recommended by 0 people

Sign in to recommend comments

Alert a Moderator

Added: Thursday, 9 November, 2006, 17:47 GMT 17:47 UK

Having seen the disastrous trend that the african continent is

heading towards because of wars, famine, AIDS/HIV etc., it is indeed

imperative for every African government to amend policies in their

constitutions which would provide free healthcare and education for

children. The children are the future and african leaders, especially

the African Union, must see to it that every african nation carry out

policies that will save the african children

ah , Phoenix AZ

Recommended by 0 people

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Alert a Moderator

Added: Thursday, 9 November, 2006, 17:41 GMT 17:41 UK

Absolutely. The government has moral obligation of making sure this

orphans get the necessary institutional help in accessing healthcare

and education needs. What moral grounds does government have if it

cannot step in to provide for these orphans. Fate has placed these

children in that predicament. It was not by their choice. Wake up

African leaders.

Ahmed Haji, Burlington, VT USA

Recommended by 0 people

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Alert a Moderator

Added: Thursday, 9 November, 2006, 17:32 GMT 17:32 UK

orphan support is widely practiced by extended families in Ethiopia.

Extended family support is more consistent, sustianable and

wholistic. support to children by closer relatives is practiced for

several years and still efffective compaired to insistuion intiated

care which is incomplete, disatsfying, sudenly stoping, lackes

transparency and the like. Therefore, the best way to respond to

orphan care is strengtheinging this tradtional support system

TA, AA

Recommended by 0 people

Sign in to recommend comments

Alert a Moderator

Added: Thursday, 9 November, 2006, 17:28 GMT 17:28 UK

A state like Gabon has no excuse for abandoning its orphans. Large

GDP, small population; the Government will do well to continue to

invest in the future of the orphans, who also hold a part of the

country's future in their hands! Thanks Senegal, for showing the rest

of Africa the light.

On another note, Kabuya says, " I wish each and every African nation

could flow in the footsteps of Botswana. "

I would like to point out that Botswana has a life expectancy of 33.7

yrs; unemployment at 40% and an HIV rate of 30-40%.

Kwemah Addey, NJ, USa

Recommended by 0 people

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Alert a Moderator

Added: Thursday, 9 November, 2006, 17:20 GMT 17:20 UK

orphans being looked after by the government is a good idea but thats

all it will ever be.there are far too many orphans in africa and they

live in the poorest countries in the world.looking after each and

everyone of them will put a strain on the already stuggling countries

which will result in the whole thing coming to a hault.the best thing

is to set small achievable goals than start something that cannot be

sustained.

hazel, milton keynes

Recommended by 0 people

Sign in to recommend comments

Alert a Moderator

Added: Thursday, 9 November, 2006, 17:00 GMT 17:00 UK

I think it's the government responsibility to take care of these

orphans. Hopefully, the orhpans will pay back to the community when

they grow up.

Kwasi Afriyie Asamoah, New Haven, CT. USA

Recommended by 0 people

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Alert a Moderator

Added: Thursday, 9 November, 2006, 16:58 GMT 16:58 UK

With a notoriety for negligence that is akin to most African

governements when it comes to caring for the socially underprivileged

of the society, I think NGOs should continue the task of providing

succour to orphaned children in our society. On her part, the

government should make the necessary dispositions to finance these

NGOs so that some level of sustainability and appropriate care for

orphans should be enforced. NGOs, rather than the government, stands

a better chance to deliver the goods.

Israel Ambe Ayongwa, Bamenda, Cameroon

Recommended by 0 people

Sign in to recommend comments

Alert a Moderator

Added: Thursday, 9 November, 2006, 16:49 GMT 16:49 UK

Let's face it: Looking after these unfortunate kids is not beyond the

means of any African government. All they have to do is re-order

their priorities. Take Ethiopia: All that that is needed is a

diversion of resources from its military confrontation with Eritrea.

Chad is another example. If it were about resources, there would be

no orphans (or indeed poverty) in Angola and Nigeria. It's about

priorities.

AKPAN, Kent, UK/Nigeria

Recommended by 0 people

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Alert a Moderator

Added: Thursday, 9 November, 2006, 15:43 GMT 15:43 UK

Orphans in Botswana are given first class treatment.This makes me

proud of my leaders.They receive free healthcare, free education not

to mention free food ration every month and free school uniform.I

wish each and every African nation could flow in the foot steps of

Botswana.

Wabuya, Nata, Botswana

Recommended by 0 people

Sign in to recommend comments

Alert a Moderator

Added: Thursday, 9 November, 2006, 15:36 GMT 15:36 UK

Without corruption, it will be a realistic goal. There is nothing

that is impossible if done in the right way. Government intervention

will be very helpful in caring for the orphans. It will be extremely

difficult for friends and family members who are already struggling

on their own to add extra burden. This is were the social welfare

comes in. In Nigeria, there are a few orphange homes but not enough.

They don't get enough funding from the government to carter for more

orphans.

Omorodion Osula, Boston, USA

Recommended by 0 people

Sign in to recommend comments

Alert a Moderator

Added: Thursday, 9 November, 2006, 15:36 GMT 15:36 UK

Yes, these children should be provided free heath care within the

African nations. These children are the future of Africa, and if

Africa doesn't invest in them--what will happen to them? It is not

the fault of the children that their parents died from a terrible

disease or by the hands of other individuals in war.

The African governments have resources, and they use them. By doing

so, it would be less starvation and death within their countries.

Doherty, Richmond, Virginia

Recommended by 0 people

Sign in to recommend comments

Alert a Moderator

Added: Thursday, 9 November, 2006, 15:31 GMT 15:31 UK

It is a good idea if the governments in africa can provide free

healthcare and education for orphans but i will like to say that even

some children with parents are not different from the so call orphans

so it will be better to provide for all children and not only orphans.

nike adesola, stockholm,sweden

Recommended by 0 people

Sign in to recommend comments

Alert a Moderator

Added: Thursday, 9 November, 2006, 15:30 GMT 15:30 UK

I believe that every african child, indeed any child should have

access to free education and healthcare. However, africa is in no

position to provide these services to its people. Decades of erosion

within the political and economic system make this policy unrealistic

in the short term. I cannot imagine the situation changing anytime

soon but if we get our act together it is achievable. We must put the

welfare of our future generations above our immediate desires so

africa can truly progress

umar, london

Added: Thursday, 9 November, 2006, 15:30 GMT 15:30 UK

All orphans in Africa should receive free education and health care.

It is the only way the country will have a chance to prosper. If

children don't have health care, if they live long enough to reach

adulthood, how will they value health and prevent spreading disease

if no one ever took care of them. Education and health go hand in

hand.

Eve, NYC

http://newsforums.bbc.co.uk/nol/thread.jspa?

threadID=4683 & & edition=2 & ttl=20061110104928