Kelakil Orphans - Year Two

Background to this Project Proposal
One community within the boundaries of the catchment area of Tahtay Koraro was found to be gravely ill, the population had been displaced to what was believed to be a safe location. The National Research Institute had done a study and concluded that the illness was due to an alkaloid poisoning which was causing liver and spleen enlargement leading to illness and even death, on average sixty has died per annum.  

Emergency measures were instituted whereby simple houses were built and tents given for schooling and basic food supplies were also provided to local authorities to help this vulnerable group of the Tahtay Koraro community. In 2007 the local Social Affairs mentioned this group to Sr. Catharina van den Bosch, so that she and her team went to see them. The team was shocked by what they saw:

• Orphaned children
• Emaciated children
• Teachers trying to teach under trees with little or no supplies

When they talked with the people they found out also that:

• The hospital feared that the disease was contaminating so that the people of Kelakil were ‘kept outside’
• In town the general public would distance themselves from the Kelakil people, covering their noses and even crossing the streets to distance themselves from the Kelakil people.

The level of marginalization was tragic and people were dying.

Project Setting

This frightening disease has led to the death of at least sixty plus individuals, in some cases whole families have been decimated leaving only one child to survive.

Existing Programs in the Area

The Regional Government helped with building the houses for these displaced people; Abraham's Oasis found tents stored away, the community never having erected a tent before needed instructions to perform the task. Once erected the tents are now the basis of their school, there is another brick school nearby but sadly the Kelakil children are not permitted to attend there because of fear.

The Regional Government is very concerned about this community and was the one to initiate research and studies of this susceptible people group. The National Research Institute (NRI) undertook the first study and more recently the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

Statement of development need

Surrounding families have provided shelter for the orphans but the cost of an extra mouth to feed has caused extra stress to the family providing shelter. It is for these children that during the last six months we have given 100 EB per month. Fifty seven children have benefited from this and we believe that it is in the interest of the children that should continue.

Major Development Objectives
A. To provide money for basic supplies for survival for fifty seven orphans within a s community in Tahtay Koraro.

B. To enable the orphaned children to attend school because they have their basic needs met.

Project Design

• The Abraham's Oasis has funding for one year to give fifty seven children 100 EB each month, we need further funding for Year Two as the children’s plight has not changed.
• The Abraham's Oasis is working with the local school feeding over three hundred children five days a week, we started in 2008 and hope to continue this as long as a high number are malnourished.
• The Abraham's Oasis is willing to implement the project provided the following conditions are met:
• That all associated line departments collaborate in providing experts to determine the best way forward and see it through together with Abraham's Oasis.
• That resources are made available for the project (see budget)