Vulnerable children is everyone's responsibility

KAMPALA - Swedish philanthropist Kristian Rankloo has urged Ugandans to take personal responsibility of vulnerable children especially orphans, saying children are the future of the nation.

Speaking at the launch of Zion Children's Home offices at Makindye, Rankloo who is the founder of help@hand, an organization taking care of orphans in several African countries, said orphans are vulnerable because many suffer psychological trauma and need a lot of support in many ways.

"There is no country where you will not find orphans but a country like Uganda does not have special structures to ensure orphans do not suffer from psychological trauma or get special government attention to support them, therefore the responsibility goes to individuals," he said.

Zion Children's Home takes care of over 150 orphans who get counseling, education, medication and feeding.

The founder of help@hand and also Swedish philanthropist Kristian Rankloo signs on one of the chats at the official opening of Zion Children's Orphanage in Makindye. (Credit: Abou Kisige)

From left, interim CEO of Zion Children's Orphanage Joel Sserwanga, Kristian Rankloo and the chairman board of governors of the orphanage Alex pius Ssebakiwa during the official opening of their home in Makindye. (Credit: Abou Kisige) 

According to a recent UN report, about 210 million children are orphans around the world but most of them are found in Africa where epidemics like cholera, Ebola, HIV/Aids and wars claim many people than anywhere else in the world, leaving behind orphans.

The chairman board of governors, Alex Pius Ssebakiwa urged Ugandans to emulate their white counterparts by starting to donate pleasantries and gifts to needy kids.

"Ugandans can also start by taking off time off to bathe, play, feed and dress the children in Ugandan orphanages," he said.

He said the organization is in need of funds and support. "The number of children keeps rising every day with little support. We rely on support from well-wishers."

Ssebakiwa said they get delighted whenever they receive support. "Most people know that it's only money that is paramount. Yes it is but even moral support is crucial."