Monrovia – The Prison Fellowship Liberia (PFL), with funding from United States-based Camp David International, has organized a week-long holiday camp for 350 children of incarcerated parents in Marshall, Margibi County.
Speaking at a press conference in Paynesville, PFL Country Director, Reverend Francis Kollie, said the initiative was designed to bring joy and hope to children of prisoners who are often forgotten during the festive season because their parents are behind bars.
Reverend Kollie explained that the camp was organized against the backdrop of widespread holiday celebrations, from which many prisoners’ children are excluded. He said PFL, in collaboration with Camp David International, resolved to host the camp as a way of showing love and reminding the children that they are cared for and valued.
According to him, the children were drawn from across the country and brought to an undisclosed location, where they are participating in Christmas storytelling, games, mentorship sessions, and other recreational activities. Distinguished personalities are also expected to visit the camp to motivate and encourage the children.
He disclosed that 70 volunteers have been recruited to serve as counselors and mentors for the children, who range in age from five to 20 years. Samaritan’s Purse, he added, is providing medical personnel to attend to the health needs of both the children and volunteers throughout the duration of the camp.
“Caterers have also been hired to ensure that the children are fed three times a day,” Reverend Kollie said.
He further noted that Samaritan’s Purse is supporting the initiative by ensuring that medications and medical services are readily available in the event of illness during the camp.
Reverend Kollie disclosed that the program costs about US$50,000 and is fully funded by Camp David International. He also revealed that representatives of the U.S.-based organization are expected to visit Liberia to personally encourage the children and assure them that “all is not lost.”
As part of the activities, PFL is expected to host a special birthday celebration on New Year’s Eve for the children, particularly those who have been unable to celebrate their birthdays due to the incarceration of their parents.
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