Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 10 2010:
The 6th foundation day of the Love All Gospel Service (LAOGOS) Children Home was celebrated today at Sipijang in Saitu Assembly Constituency.
The children home set up by Pastor Rev Tongkholun Haokip in 2005 is housing around 30 children whose parents have been killed by HIV/AIDS, who have lost their fathers at the hands of security forces and who were looked after by a single parent following divorce.
The children home is also providing education facilities from KG to class VII.
Most of the children staying at the home originally belong to Moreh, Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Saikul and Motbung areas.
Rather than assistance provided by churches and benevolent individuals, the children home has not received any aid from the Government till date.
Even as the children home was established way back in 2005, its infrastructure is pathetically inadequate.
The building being used as classrooms has neither doors nor windows.
The building made of wood is also in a shaky condition.
Taking due note of the shortages of the children home and requirements of the children, Saitu A/C MLA Haokholet Kipgen who graced the foundation day celebration as chief guest announced monetary assistance of Rs one lakh to the home.
Even as there are many orphanages in Manipur, most of them are profit oriented.
However, LAOGOS Children Home is one of the few orphanages which have been providing selfless humanitarian service to hapless and helpless children.
The MLA assured all possible assistance to the children home next year.
In a democratic country, the elected representatives represent all the communities.
Only when the elected representatives can work in close coordination with the people, development can be realised, Haokholet Kipgen said.
He also promised jobs if there are women who have completed MSc.
Speaking as guest of honour, DI (Schools) of Saitu-Gamphazol Block Seilet Singsit asked administrators of the children home to strive for recognition.
He also assured full cooperation from his side towards this end.
In his presidential speech, Saitu-Gamphazol ADC Member Lunthang Haokip lamented that Sipijang remains backward even though it is a few kilometres away
from National Highway.
He assured that a new building would be constructed for the children home once the MDCs are given their due power.