Fambul Tok International-Sierra Leone has partnered with the people of Konio section, Kissi Teng Chiefdom, Kailahun district to remember all those who fell victims of the deadly ebola virus and lost their lives The memorial service was held prior to earlier recommendations by the people in that part of the country to honoor their loved ones who perished due to the ebola virus.
As part of the their community contributions, Fambul Tok sectional executives coordinated the event and local resources such as rice, palm oil and other condiments were collected. Fambul Tok also contributed towards actualization of the programme.
In his remarks during the ceremony, Chiefdom Speaker of Kissi Teng Chiefdom, Fallah Jusu extoled the role of Fambul Tok in creating space for community healing and reconciliation. He said the organization is the first to partner with the people of Kissi Teng, the first chiefdom to be hit by ebola, and to remember 80 ebola victims.
He explained that the index case started in Kpoundu village, Konio section, through a 59 year-old traditional healer, Finda Nyuma. He said a total of 22 people were confirmed to have died in that village alone and a total of 80 in the entire section.
He lamented over the present status of the Kissi Teng chiefdom, adding that government has not paid much attention to the place. He disclosed that the chiefdom lacks medical facilities, water and other social amenities. He appealed to government and other organizations to consider Kissi Teng. He used the occasion to put across a case of the first survival of ebola, Mamie Lebbie who, according to him, has not been registered and therefore could not receive any benefit
Chief Jusu raised concerns over border security, stating that government should fortify boundaries between Sierra Leone on one hand, Guinea and Liberia.
Fambul Tok sectional executive adviser, Raymond Bundor lamented over the destruction of ebola and stressed that now that the disease has elapsed, they have decided to honour their loved ones. He said no one thought it fit to organize such event but with the collaboration of Fambul Tok they are happy to perform traditional rites as most of those that died did not receive befitting funeral rites.
Bundor called on government not to forget orphans in the chiefdom as there are over 50 children whose parents or guardians died of the disease in the chiefdom.
Fambul Tok Programme Manager, Sia Fasuluku thanked the people of Konio section for organizing the first memorial service for ebola victims. She also extended gratitude to community mediators who are doing their level best to preach peace and unity especially at a time when most people are pointing fingers at each other for what happened during the ebola crisis.
By Bernard Turay
Tuesday December 15, 2015
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