NEEDS OF THE ORPHANS
The greatest needs of the orphans are as follows:
SHELTER.
The children who are absorbed into the extended families face the problem of overcrowding as there are hardly enough rooms, beds, and beddings for them. Those who do not have relatives go to the street to fend for themselves.
FEEDING
Most families in Cameroon and the North West Region leave a subsistence life. Having to feed an extra mouth will be a burden to many families as most children barely have a meal a day.
CLOTHING
Clothes are considered a luxury for them since they are regarded as outcast by their peers. Thus some of them own about 2 or 3 clothes.
BASIC MEDICAL CARE
Due to economic crisis, most families can barely afford medical care. Most orphans who are extra burden on the extended families are neglected health wise.
EDUCATION
Quite often, orphans absorbed in to families are exploited to work for them and so few can be considered to go to school. Where this is possible, they don’t go beyond primary school level. And those who manage to go to school are usually not equipped with books, uniforms and fees.