Over 150 million children are considered to be orphans worldwide according to UNICEF with an estimate of almost over 5,500 becoming orphans daily every 20 seconds or so based on the recorded statistics which may differ in numbers as orphans in the streets and sewers may not be included in these numbers.
Children become orphans due to the death of both parents or one parent in some cases. If the child is fortunate enough, they may be taken in by a relative that is able to care and nurture them or into children homes and orphanages whereas others may not be as fortunate and end up abandoned to fend for themselves.
Due to the lack of care some children suffer child abuse in the forms of child labour and child trafficking which causes them to be vulnerable and face both emotional and behavioral problems such as aggression and criminal activities. These children are also prone to diseases, abuse, starvation and malnutrition.
If your heart shatters for them at the thought of this and are wondering what you can do to help, below are some more reasons and ways you could help out.
WHY HELP ORPHANS?
Helping orphans by creating a loving and nurturing environment for them enables them to grow to be healthy and responsible adults that may assist in giving back by possibly facilitating for others not to go through what they went through therefore breaking the cycle. The more people that care for orphans the greater chance for positive impact on them as they are innocent and deserving children that are the future generation. Many people get overwhelmed by the increasing number of orphans with the mentality that they may not be able to assist everyone but forget that any effort they put into helping out orphans be it minor or major is just as important and has an impact regardless.
WAYS TO HELP ORPHANS
There are many ways to help out orphaned children such as:
- Establishing more children’s homes with adequate access to basic needs.
- Adoption of more orphans (by being taken into homes by families that will raise, care and love them unconditionally.)
- Provision of basic and critical needs such as food, clean water, shelter, security, clothing, medical care and proper education.
- Donating whatever you are able to at any given moment will help improve a child’s future
- Setting up establishments to mentor and sponsor them.
- Visiting, playing and showering them with love and appreciation.
- Intervening on their behalf to ensure a promising future that they might not have otherwise.
We as an organization believe that we can play a huge part in providing the basic and critical needs to the orphans. The #GiftASmile project was our most enlightening project as we were able to interact with over 140 orphans in a span of one day. The smiles on their faces were priceless as they received the gifts we brought for them. Due to the success of this project, we as organization are planning future projects that will support and hopefully educate the orphans.
JAOR believes that orphan care is a delightful thing to do as it provides an opportunity for those who can’t stand up for themselves.
-Abdiaziz Ahmed