For any child, not having the love and care of one’s own parents is the biggest challenge one can ever face. Some of these challenges are avoidable, sometimes circumstances force children to live either with relatives or in orphanages. Though many parents and guardians feel the children are much safer in an orphanage than in an abusive and disturbed household, that is many a time not always true.
Current problems with children in orphanages
Neglect and Abuse- Many orphanages in the developing world are full beyond their capacity. This results in lesser food being distributed and continuous competition for scarce resources. On top of that, there are continuous fights for resources amongst orphans where not everyone gets their fair share of food and other resources. Besides, some orphan caretakers also mentally, emotionally, physically, and sexually abuse these vulnerable children, most of whom come from the poorest of the poor households.
Physical and psychological harm- Studies have shown that children in orphanages show cognitive and developmental delays due to these instances of neglect and abuse. Many of them do not get the personal attention they need, they aren’t given the amount of love and affection that they need to live a healthy lifestyle. This affects these orphans both physically and psychologically, as they don’t know how to handle certain situations and the abuse can affect their way into adulthood.
Social isolation- Children who live in such institutions many times do not get the benefit of mixing with other children or people outside of the orphanage. In other words, for many, these orphanages are sometimes akin to jails for them. They don’t get the quality and quantity of food they need and also the number of educational programs for their well-being and growth.
How we can help these orphans?
Gifting them supplies- Many orphanages fall short of important supplies like beds, clothes, toys, and other daily items the kids need. Many require clothes for their daily use. These orphanages would love to get such supplies for the kids there. Dr. Michelle Corral regularly makes sure there are chesed clothing donation drives for these children.
Educational assistance- Besides a good education, orphaned children need special assistance to live in a world where they don’t have the guidance and love of their parents. This assistance could be in the form of extra-curricular activities or sports which the kids can take up for their physical and emotional well-being. For these orphans, many organizations like the breath of the spirit ministries regularly conduct workshops and sessions for the kids to show off their talents. This motivates the children to do better at school and prepares them for a vocation based on their skills.
Daily feeding programs- At many orphanages, the children may not be getting the good quality food that they need. With regular donations, you could offer to fund their daily feeding for poor children so that they can grow and develop well.
How to donate to this cause?
Dr. Michelle Corral regularly conducts workshops and other sessions to get raise as much money as she can for the poor and orphans. She regularly donates clothes and other aid to orphanages across the world. You too could help her in this regard by donating to the breath of the spirit ministry. Donate now and get the blessings of the poor for eternity.
