ORPHAN CRISIS IN GUATEMALA
Guatemala is known for its beautiful mountains, rainforests, and ancient structures. Despite its stunning landscapes, it has one of the highest crime rates in the world. As a result of the fierce drug wars, crimes such as murder, burglary, kidnappings, and rape plague the population of Guatemala. UNICEF estimates that are over 370,000 orphans in Guatemala. The poverty level is also considerably high in Guatemala. Approximately 70 percent of people in Guatemala live below the poverty level, and as a result, children sometimes find themselves abandoned, forced into child labor, or victims of neglect and abuse. These children are also at risk of being recruited into gangs or forced into child labor and trafficking rings. They need the immediate safety of homes like House of Destiny to protect them from the vulnerabilities they would otherwise face.
ABOUT HOUSE OF DESTINY
House of Destiny was started by a group of five independent churches in Guatemala involved in missions and decided to open up a children’s home based on the growing need in their community. Today, the organization is committed to providing a home and an environment that fosters confidence and the knowledge that the children are loved unconditionally. Children come to House of Destiny for many reasons, including the death of a parent, drug addiction, abuse, and abandonment due to poverty or disability. No matter the reason, this home exists to extend compassion and the love of Christ to every child under their care.
Serving Orphans Worldwide travels to every orphanage we partner with to ensure needs are legitimate and 100% of funds distributed goes to the livelihood of the children.
PROMINENT ISSUES
Abandonment
Many children are abandoned in Guatemala because of domestic violence, abuse, and poverty. Many abandoned children wander the streets where they work and are more prone to suffer from exploitation.
Crime
Ravished with poverty, Guatemalan children are often forced to quit school and work to survive. In the past decade, more than 400,000 children were found forced into child labor in Guatemala.
Child Labor
Many children in this part of Guatemala are surrounded by cartel activity. Many gangs recruit from among the poorest neighborhoods. For many, earning money through criminal activity and the drug trade is more appealing than the alternative of extreme poverty.
WE BELIEVE
HOME
The facility is in an urban setting, fully equipped with dorms, bathrooms, a kitchen, and more. The children have space to roam and play.
HEALTH
The children have access to proper medical care and are always cared for when sick. When a serious issue arises, they are seen by a private physician. The children are given daily nourishing meals consisting of grains, dairy, vegetables, and protein.
FAITH
Giving the children the opportunity to grow in their relationship with Christ is a priority at House of Destiny. Every week, the staff and children attend church, where the children are actively involved. They also participate in weekly devotions and Bible studies at home.
EDUCATION
All the school-aged children attend a private school approximately 10 kilometers from their home. The children are transported safely to school each day. Each child is provided with textbooks and other school supplies.
