FOCEM

FOCEM FOCEM is a non political and non religious organisation in Sierra Leone with Branches worldwide. HOW WE ARE GOVERNED
Focem is governed by a Board of Trustee.

FOCEM is a non political and non religious organisation in Sierra Leone with Branches worldwide that specifically focuses on meeting the educational needs of children left behind by the Ebola Virus disease (EVD) in Sierra Leone by deceased health care workers. Our remit extends to all areas of Sierra Leone and membership is open to all who want to contribute to our goal. FOCEM is registered with the ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s affairs in Sierra Leone.

WHO ARE WE
FOCEM is a non political and non religious organisation in Sierra Leone with Branches worldwide that specifically focuses on meeting the educational needs of children left behind by the Ebola Virus disease (EVD) in Sierra Leone by deceased health care workers. We recognise that the Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone has disproportionately affected our health care workers. This includes medical doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians, cleaners etc. Secondary spread of this epidemic to health care workers and family contacts caring for the ill has become a serious problem. The poor state of our health facilities is the main reason why health workers are most prone to infection. The net result is that several underpaid and under-resourced health care workers have lost their lives, many leaving behind children who will inevitably face tremendous problems in getting ahead in life. The task of caring for family members left behind by deceased health care workers is enormous; whilst initially concentrating on educational assistance the Foundation will explore possibilities of involvement in other areas of children’s education. OUR MISSION
Recognising the enormity of the task of caring for children left behind by these deceased health care workers and concerned that these children will require assistance with various aspects of their lives, and conscious of the importance of education for their future well being, we as people concerned about their plight and having a shared conviction that we should assist them with their educational needs have formed a Foundation to effect such assistance on a sustainable basis known as Foundation For Children Of Ebola Affected Medical Workers (FOCEM). OUR BENEFICIARIES
Scholarships have already been provided for qualified participants from various areas in Sierra Leone at an official launching held in Freetown on the 23rd October 2014. Additional scholarships and other educational aids will be issued later. The Trustees provide oversight functions for the Foundation and have a fiduciary responsibility, ensuring the funds collected are utilised in a prudent fashion to meet the Foundation’s objectives. Coordinators shall coordinate the fundraising and other functions organised by the Foundation in various geographical locations and help recruit new members. Members shall collaborate with each other and participate in the organisation’s activities. All Officers will be expected to both contribute financially to the Foundation as well as assist with raising funds from external parties. BOARD OF TRUSTEES
1. Andrew Keili (Coordinator, Sierra Leone)
2. Winstanley B. Johnson (Coordinator,SL)
3. Nancy Banya (Coordinator, UK)
4. Mamie Isatta Sowa (Coordinator, USA)
5. Harry Seilenga (Coordinator, USA)
6. Alusine Jalloh
7. Alex Kamara
8. Ali Forna
9. Sam Zoker
10. Mabel Zoker
11. Helen Keili
12. Joe Lappia
14. Mohamed Babatunde Cole
15. Siatta Momoh (UK)
16. Mariama Kassay (UK)

Address

16 Upper Brook Street
Freetown
232

General information

PRESS RELEASE (23/10/14) FOCEM FOUNDATION LAUNCHED IN FREETOWN The Foundation for children of Ebola affected medical workers (FOCEM) was officially launched in Freetown today by the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs, Hon. Mustapha Bai Atilla at Santanno House, Howe Street. The occasion was chaired by Mr. Winstanley Bankole Johnson, former Mayor of Freetown, who is also a Trustee of the Foundation. The National Coordinator, Mr. Andrew Keili gave a rundown of FOCEM’s activities, espousing its objectives of giving out educational scholarships to children of medical workers who had lost the battle to Ebola. According to him, FOCEM was committed to spending a minimum of Le100 million from contributions from its current membership. This could conceivably rise to Le300m with additional membership and fund raising activities. The organisation is non political and has membership from all regions of the country. Scholarships will cover all educational levels from primary school to University. FOCEM is collecting statistics from the Health Ministry and relevant MDAs on potential recipients and would also welcome applications from potentially qualified recipients. In her statement the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Sarian Kamara mentioned that the death of medical workers in Sierra Leone from EVD was unprecedented and alarming at the onset of the outbreak. Steps were now being taken by the Health Ministry to address many problems encountered by Health workers. Their salaries and conditions of service have been reviewed and protection and training have been enhanced. 152 patients have been discharged from the Hastings Treatment centre wholly manned by Sierra Leonean medical workers. She was enthused by the ideals of FOCEM and would herself contribute to the Foundation’s work. In his keynote address Hon Atilla said his Ministry was in the forefront of social mobilisation campaigns related to the Ebola fight. Her Ministry would protect women, girls and vulnerable groups. He stressed the need for discipline to fight this disease. FOCEM’s programme was in line with his Ministry’s objectives of protecting future generations. “You cannot fail with educational programmes”, he affirmed. FOCEM recognises that the Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone has disproportionately affected our health care workers. This includes medical doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians, cleaners etc. FOCEM specifically focuses on meeting the educational needs of children left behind by EVD related deceased health care workers. FOCEM is non-political and non-religious and its remit extends to all areas of Sierra Leone. Its membership is open to all who want to contribute to our goal of helping the children of our health care workers who have fallen in our nation’s war against EVD. A total of eight scholarships were provided for qualified recipients from various areas of the country. Michael Kawa and Aminata Kargbo of Model Secondary school in Freetown and 8 year old Joshua George of FBC Primary school were the first recipients of the scholarship from the Western Area who received their awards in person. Foday Aruna Kallon of Bo School was the recipient from Kailahun, Bamarch Fonnie of Henrietta Private school in Kenema was the recipient for Kenema. Finda Yeani Sannoh of Holy Rosary Primary school Kenema was the recipient from Bo and Rabbiatu Thulla of Church of God Primary school Makeni, represented Bombali District. Additional scholarships will be issued before the start of the school year.

Telephone

23276602174

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