By James Innocent
The Commissioner of Yei River County, who also serves as the SPLM County Chairperson, together with party officials, elders, and community leaders, conducted a Christmas and New Year goodwill outreach to Yei Prison, police custody facilities, Yei Civil Hospital, and Kikiji National Orphanage Centre.
During the outreach, the delegation delivered food items and other essential supplies as part of the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The initiative aimed to express solidarity with inmates, patients, and vulnerable children during the festive season, while reaffirming the county leadership’s commitment to social welfare amid prevailing economic and humanitarian challenges in Yei River County.
Speaking during the visit to Kikiji National Orphanage Centre, the Commissioner thanked members of the delegation and the orphanage management for the warm reception.
He noted that the county government, in coordination with Central Equatoria State authorities, would work to address some of the challenges facing the centre.
The Commissioner emphasized the importance of protecting children’s rights, warning that authorities would take appropriate action against individuals unlawfully keeping children who are not their biological dependents.
He further pledged county support to the orphanage, including the provision of agricultural tools during the upcoming rainy season to enhance food production and long-term sustainability.
At Yei Civil Hospital, the Medical Officer, Dr. Morbe Taban, commended the Commissioner and his delegation for the visit, describing it as a significant morale boost for both patients and health workers.
He also reported that, according to hospital records, no deaths were recorded in Yei during the Christmas period.
At Kikiji National Orphanage Centre, children shared personal experiences highlighting their circumstances.
Nine-year-old Silvia Blessing said she has been raised at the centre since early childhood and does not know her parents. She appealed for continued government support to ensure access to basic needs and education.
Thirteen-year-old Kelvin Data, who lost his father and currently resides at the orphanage, said he aspires to become a pilot so that he can one day support orphans and other vulnerable children.
The founder of Kikiji National Orphanage Centre, Dominic from Wawa, called on the government to provide free education for orphans, citing the current economic situation as a major challenge to sustaining the centre.
He revealed that the orphanage is currently caring for more than 120 children, many of whom face shortages of food and shelter.
Agness Kiden, representing the SPLM Women’s League in Yei River County, encouraged the children to remain resilient and committed to their studies despite the challenges they face within the community.
Ale Satimon, the SPLM Secretary for Yei River County, assured the orphanage management that with collective effort, the aspirations of young people can be realized. He also urged parents and guardians to take full responsibility for their children to reduce the growing number of street children.
Noel Malish, a Member of Parliament representing Mugwo Constituency, encouraged the orphans to regard education as the foundation of their future and to maintain faith and discipline in their daily lives.