Additional aid for orphans

MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: The government will hand over Rp 2.5 billion in additional donation funds to 5,500 orphans in 105 orphanages in the province.

Mulyono Macasi, chief of the local social affairs ministry office in the city, said the additional donation, that would be distributed directly to the orphanages later this year, was aimed at improving the nutrition among orphans in the province.

He said the local administration would also provide vocational training to any orphans who manage to graduate from high school in order that they may improve their skills before seeking a job.

"Orphans will be trained in tailoring, handicraft-making and electronics," he said.

Mulyano also called on orphanages to independently seek donations from third parties because of decreasing assistance in the past 3 years. -- Antara