16 Aug Iraono Nifaeri Children’s Home: Answering the call to Indonesia’s Orphan Crisis
In Indonesia, the orphan crisis remains a pressing issue that demands attention. Factors such as poverty, natural disasters, and the spread of diseases have contributed to a significant number of orphaned children in the country.
Several factors have contributed to the orphan crisis, with poverty being a significant one. Families are struggling to meet basic needs, making it difficult to provide proper care for their children. Natural disasters, such as earthquakes and tsunamis, have devastatingly left behind many orphaned children, adding to the already vulnerable population. Additionally, the spread of diseases, including HIV/AIDS, has further increased the number of orphaned children in the country.
Without proper care, these children often lack access to healthcare, nutrition, and education. They may face a higher risk of malnutrition, disease, and developmental delays. Additionally, orphaned children are vulnerable to exploitation, trafficking, and child labor. Lack of stable family and community support can lead to feelings of isolation, depression, and low self-esteem, hindering their overall development.
Iraono Nifaeri Children’s Home strives to change this reality. They have played a vital role in taking in and caring for some of the most vulnerable children in their community. Their mission is to protect these children from the risks they would otherwise face living on the streets or without adequate adult care.
Currently, 47 children call Iraono Nifaeri ‘home’. They have been referred for a number of reasons. However, despite the reason for their referral, the staff have made a commitment to show each child the love of Christ through their daily interactions with the children. This home prioritizes access to education, healthcare, and nutritional programs to ensure their overall well-being, and a promising transition into adulthood.
This past year, repairs were made to their water system so that the children could have easy access to clean water on the property. The children are provided with three nutritious meals a day with snacks. Every morning starts with devotions before school. In the afternoon, the children lead their own brief 30 minute praise and worship time. Faith has been an anchor for many of these children, continuing tone a source of strength as they look to their future.
In recent years, Indonesia has experienced a notable rise in the cost of living, posing challenges for its citizens. Contributing factors such as inflation, increasing housing prices, and rising fuel costs have made it more difficult for individuals and families to make ends meet. The burden of higher living costs disproportionately affects children’s homes like Iraono Nifaeri. The rising cost of essential goods and services, including food, education, and healthcare, has put additional strain on staff to provide tuition fees, uniforms, school supplies, medical bills and more. Serving Orphans Worldwide has committed to providing monthly support to this home to cover the children’s needs. However, it is becoming more evident that these needs are projected to increase even more in the coming years. Please visit soww.org/ to learn more about these children and how you can help meet these plethora of needs.
