by Jacob Niru – EM TV, Port Moresby
The number of children at the Cheshire Home in Port Moresby without connections to their biological parents or relatives has become a worrying concern.
The centre is working on a new strategy to help identify parents and make connections with these children. This was revealed at a recent charity visit. Manoka Igo, from the Cheshire Disability Centre revealed that some children at the Cheshire Disability Centre do not have connections with their parents.
The centre has 21 disabled residents. Sixteen-year-old Soma Jeffery is one of them who greets visitors with smiling face. She came as an infant and made Cheshire Home her home. She has six friends who live with her.
Manoka Igo said people with disabilities continue to face enormous challenges in realising their rights to health and rehabilitation support, as well as access to educational and livelihood opportunities.
The organisation, in its strategic 2010-15 plan is working to ensure that these children are reconnected with their parents and place of origin. The organisation is trying to implement the plan but there are many challenges.
Limited funding has always denied them access to engaging in long term development plans for persons with disabilities and their families.
Jacob Niru is a UPNG Journalism student.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=NMq2xTg3rP8%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3Do%26showsearch%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
