Lifeline Counseling launches programme for vulnerable children

Jul 30, 2008 News

Lifeline Counseling, a non–governmental organisation, has launched a vocational programme aimed at empowering young Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC).

The programme would be accommodating some 50 children between the ages of six and 17 until August 29. The children were taken from the organisation’s lists of OVC.

Lifeline Counseling Services was founded on October 22, 1996 and was later registered as a non profit organisation in December 1997. The organization was born out of the need of the people living with HIV/AIDS or affected by the disease.

The co-founders were a counselor, a young man living with HIV and a United States Peace Corps volunteer.

The programme is being financed by the United Nations Children Fund and should provide the young OVC with the life skills.

The children would be exposed to the rights that they have as children. (Rights of the Child).

Speaking with Kaieteur News yesterday at his office, Mr. Steven Douglas, who was the brainchild for the programme, said that it allows children to be aware of what is going on around them.

He said that the children would be exposed to a number of activities such as art and crafts and information technology.

Mr. Douglas said that they have created a timetable that would help them to cater to the children more efficiently.

Ms. Carlotta Williams, the coordinator of Lifeline Counseling, said that she is most grateful for UNICEF to come on board with this worthy cause.

The organisation’s signature event is the Phillip Vanderhyden memorial walk which is held annually in October as a tribute to its co-founder. The activity is now widely supported by all sections of the public.