affected by the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Gbarnga, Bong County.

Beneficiaries of the scholarships were drawn from the LPMC, Chief Compound and Barwor Quarter communities in Gbarnga.

IRCL National Coordinator Anthony Musa Bamba told the Liberia News Agency in Gbarnga Tuesday that the initiative is part of efforts by the Council to reach out to children who were made orphans as a result of the Ebola crisis.

Bamba disclosed that the Council has also given over US$700 to guardians of the children to prepare them for the resumption of school on September 7 and had built a network for beneficiaries to report cases of sexual exploitation and abuse as well as other violent acts against them.

He pointed out that with financial support from its Japanese counterparts, the scholarship program will sponsor the beneficiaries until they graduate from high school.

The IRCL official lauded the Bong County Christian Association for the level of cooperation it has demonstrated in ensuring that the Council operates smoothly in the county.

He, however, noted that the Council is seeking additional support to extend the scholarships to Bomi, Gbarpolu, Nimba, Lofa and Montserrado counties to help other Ebola-affected children remain in school.

In remarks, some of the children and guardians thanked the organization for the scholarships and promised to make the maximum use of the opportunity.
LINA PTS/PSN/TSS/PTK