Everybody loves an oprhan
When it comes to poor people, few are cuter than children. And of all children, what melts the heart more than the image of a little brown-skinned Annie?
And when it comes to tackling child poverty, nothing could be more charitable than opening an orphanage. Of course, when we talk about ‘orphans’ in the poor world, we are not necessarily talking about children who have lost their parents or care-givers. Rather we are talking about children who come from poor families. Families who, through no fault of their own, are unable to provide for their children the same way a family could in the west. So what could be more direct and impactful than taking that burden off of the parents, and placing these children in happy, caring, institutions?
But orphanages are expensive to run, especially if children are to be clothed, fed, educated, protected, and for all their psychological and emotional needs to be met. In fact, in most cases it is impossible. It’s hardly any wonder that many orphans end up being malnourished, neglected, and mentally, physically, or sexually abused. This is especially the case in countries with poor observation of child rights and lax regulation of alternative childcare (although on the plus side, this is also what makes opening orphanages possible in the first place).
That’s why it is important that we give as much as we can to help these poor orphans, and the wonderful, inspirational people who despite every so-called ‘expert’ recommendation, go ahead and open more and more of these institutions. So why not go online today, pick an orphanage somewhere, then send money, toys, books, clothes, whatever you can afford or no longer need. If you are traveling somewhere poor, why not go visit an orphanage – it can be the highlight of any tourist itinerary. Or if you have the time, maybe even consider volunteering at a developing world orphanage. You won’t need any qualifications, experience, police-checks, or anything that would normally be essential. In most cases you only need to show up and the owners will be delighted to see you. And studies show that it doesn’t take very long for vulnerable children to develop a strong emotional bond with you. What a wonderful memory that would be for anyone to take away with them!
One of my favorite things to do when visiting a poor country is to go pick a handful of kids from a local orphanage and take them for a day out of swimming and play at my four-star hotel. You should see how the little faces of the ones who are picked light up. It’s hard to think of a more moving and life affirming experience.
And when it comes to tackling child poverty, nothing could be more charitable than opening an orphanage. Of course, when we talk about ‘orphans’ in the poor world, we are not necessarily talking about children who have lost their parents or care-givers. Rather we are talking about children who come from poor families. Families who, through no fault of their own, are unable to provide for their children the same way a family could in the west. So what could be more direct and impactful than taking that burden off of the parents, and placing these children in happy, caring, institutions?
But orphanages are expensive to run, especially if children are to be clothed, fed, educated, protected, and for all their psychological and emotional needs to be met. In fact, in most cases it is impossible. It’s hardly any wonder that many orphans end up being malnourished, neglected, and mentally, physically, or sexually abused. This is especially the case in countries with poor observation of child rights and lax regulation of alternative childcare (although on the plus side, this is also what makes opening orphanages possible in the first place).
That’s why it is important that we give as much as we can to help these poor orphans, and the wonderful, inspirational people who despite every so-called ‘expert’ recommendation, go ahead and open more and more of these institutions. So why not go online today, pick an orphanage somewhere, then send money, toys, books, clothes, whatever you can afford or no longer need. If you are traveling somewhere poor, why not go visit an orphanage – it can be the highlight of any tourist itinerary. Or if you have the time, maybe even consider volunteering at a developing world orphanage. You won’t need any qualifications, experience, police-checks, or anything that would normally be essential. In most cases you only need to show up and the owners will be delighted to see you. And studies show that it doesn’t take very long for vulnerable children to develop a strong emotional bond with you. What a wonderful memory that would be for anyone to take away with them!
One of my favorite things to do when visiting a poor country is to go pick a handful of kids from a local orphanage and take them for a day out of swimming and play at my four-star hotel. You should see how the little faces of the ones who are picked light up. It’s hard to think of a more moving and life affirming experience.
