UJIMA in dire need of funds
to continue its programme
~admitting third set of boys~
PHILIPSBURG--As UJIMA Foundation prepares to admit its third set of boys, it faces dire financial straits as it struggles to keep the programme running.
The Foundation, which runs an inpatient residential treatment facility for behaviourally and emotionally disturbed youths, said its funding from Dutch funding agency USONA will run out this month. The Foundation has also not received any response from government it was stated in a press release. “As the woes of financial uncertainty looms in the air, UJIMA’s board and staff will continue to be an ear and a vessel of hope to the many families currently facing a crisis with their at-risk and delinquent youths,” the Foundation said.
UJIMA held a farewell ceremony for the first sets of boys who completed its comprehensive programme on Friday, November 16. The second set of boys is scheduled to complete the programme this Friday, November 30. “While there were some difficult and challenging times, overall there were incredible moments of joy and happiness that took place with the first group of residents of UJIMA, they will never be forgotten.”
The Foundation, which opened its doors some nine months ago, is currently screening candidates for admittance. However, space is “extremely limited.” Persons interested in having someone admitted to the facility can contact UJIMA officials during the week between 11:00am and 3:00pm at telephone 586-5308.
The young men must reside at the facility and undergo a rigorous daily programme. The programme is said to be structured and treatment- oriented, offering extensive daily psychological guidance and intervention. UJIMA said in an earlier statement that its facilities were different from the Crystal Children’s Home and the I Can Foundation and its focus was to “reshape our difficult and disorderly children into emotionally healthy and stable youths.” Each person can be admitted for six months to a year depending on his or her treatment. The three-room facility is spacious and is equipped with facilities to cater to the youths.
