Life is extremely difficult for children who have been orphaned in Liberia. Part of Sub Saharan Africa, Liberia shares the issues that all of the other countries in that region face. In addition to extreme poverty and high incidences of malaria and AIDS, there is the ever-looming history of conflict in this part of Africa. Since 1989, Liberia has been ravaged by two violent civil wars, leaving as many as one million people displaced in refugee camps. In the first civil war alone (1989 to 1996), as many as 20 percent of the combatants were believed to be children under the age of 18. It is heart wrenching to think of the many atrocities these children have had to witness and endure. Not only were many left as orphans, but many were also forced to fight alongside soldiers and participate in violent acts. Since the war ended ten years ago, Liberia has struggled to rebuild their nation. Liberia has suffered from the spread of HIV/ AIDS and the Ebola virus. The The Ebola virus has killed more than 4800 people in Libera, and left many children orphaned. These children, at no fault of their own, face discrimination and are often marginalized because of the culture’s stigma that blames AIDS and Ebola orphans of committing witchcraft or sorcery. Many live in extreme poverty, and as a result, many children are abandoned or are forced to work. Orphaned and abandoned children are extremely vulnerable to dangers such as trafficking, child labor, and abuse. These children rely on homes such as Phebe Grey for immediate relief from the harsh realities they would otherwise face.
Phebe Grey orphanage was built in 1996 by a team of missionaries led by the Reverend David Ofori, a man who became impassioned to help after witnessing the huge number of children left destitute and alone in this war torn country. Phebe Grey was created to offer hope to these innocent victims of war, providing a safe haven for as many as 300 kids at the height of the upheaval. Today, Phebe Grey is home to children who have come to them because of warfare, abuse, or abandonment. They run a veritable school for the children of the home and surrounding community and provide tremendous care to the children who live there. Today, many adults who grew up at the home completed school, college and returned back to help the place that literally saved their lives.
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.
This year, we have a goal to help improve the quality of care for these amazing children, and we need your help. Your gift will help provide education, a safe home, health, and adult mentors who can share the Love of Christ. Our promise to you is that 100% will go directly to the home.