By: Yusuf M Hasan
HARGEISA (Somalilandsun) – An orphanage with a capacity to cater for 750 beneficiaries is under construction.
The new orphanage whose foundation stone was laid by the president H.E Ahmed Mahmoud Silanyo and jointly funded by African relief Community and Kuwaiti government to the tune of $3 million, which is inclusive of physical structures and related materials.
The ground colourful ground breaking ceremony for the orphanage was witnessed by a large number of citizens and dignitaries who included the 1st lady M/s Amina H Mohamed ‘Amina Weris’, Ministers Hon Zamzam Abdi Aden-Education, Duur-interior, Samale-Finance and Hirsi-Presidency, Service commanders, Hargeisa mayor as well as a delegation from the Kuwaiti funding agency.
Upon laying the foundation stone, President Silanyo thanked the Kuwaitis for their generosity that will see 750 destitute children access basic wants of life like Shelter, Clothing, Education and three daily meals.
“On my own behalf and that of the people of Somaliland, I hereby extend thanks to the people of Kuwait for their support geared towards the improvement of local livelihoods.”
The head of state also revealed his pleasure with the new orphanage that will not only provide for destitute children but also create numerous employment opportunities that are much needed in the country.
The education minister Hon Zamzam Abdi Aden who also the people of Kuwait for continued support urged Somalilanders to emulate them thus internal self-help projects whose benefits would be enjoyable to many generations to come.
According to Dr Khalid Al Mashaa who led the donor delegation, the government and people of Kuwait are committed to the support of local development projects of which the orphanage joins many that have already been accomplished or ongoing.
The new orphanage comes at the opportune moment, as the one in Hargeisa is very rundown due to age not to mention that it caters for needy children from all parts of the country as well as from neighbouring countries.
