Orphans mission: we need cash help

Jessica Benton
A GEELONG community organisation is seeking financial help to rescue five orphans stuck in a war-torn African country.
Diversitat settlement grants program worker Antoinette Siketa said the children, aged 12 to 16, desperately needed to be reunited with aunt Kadie Perry who had relocated to Geelong as a refugee.
The Independent reported in October that Diversitat was battling international red tape in its bid to rescue the children.
The children had lost both parents during war in Liberia after witnessing the torture of their father and the death of their mother.
“We’re pleading with the Geelong community to help out because with its support we can reduce the financial pressure on the children’s aunt,” Ms Siketa said.
“Kadie is not in a position to pay. She has already taken out a loan for the children’s initial travel expenses to get health checks.
“She has four children of her own, no partner and has only recently arrived in Australia as a refugee.
“I know it’s a tough time for everyone at the moment but if every family could contribute even $5 or $10 we’d be able to get the children here faster and easier.”
Ms Siketa said the children’s plight had worsened since October.
“One of the children, Binta, went missing because she was depressed, bored and losing hope. She was later found but it was an added stress for everyone,” she said.
“Kadie can’t afford to put them in school and they’re going to get in some kind of trouble if something is not done soon.”
Ms Siketa said authorities had approved the children’s health checks with the siblings ready to travel to Australia.
Ms Siketa estimated travel expenses for the children and their supervisor would cost $14,000.
“Getting the children to Australia is not going to happen overnight and we’ve been told to be patient but it’s very hard to be patient when innocent children are involved.”
Ms Siketa asked willing donors to phone Diversitat on 5221 6044.