ORPHAN CRISIS IN SOUTH ASIA
This part of South Asia has the largest child population in the world. Unfortunately, the newest research shows that approximately 4% of the child population in this region are orphans. That’s 20 million children with no family, a number that is projected to increase over the next decade. Orphaned children face extreme vulnerabilities, including sex trafficking, forced child labor, HIV/ AIDS, and substance abuse. Many children have lost their parents because of abandonment due to poverty, illness, and death.
Even children with families in this region face unimaginable hardships. Most do not attend school regularly as they are pressured to go to work and earn money for their families. Health is also a struggle as early 2 million children born per year do not live to the age of 5. These issues, combined with an unbalanced caste system, make orphaned children in South Asia most at risk.
JYOTHI’S HOME
This home was birthed out of a vision and passion God gave a man named Jyothi Reddi. Because he suffered immensely as a child, Jyothi desired to start a home where little children could be relieved from their pain and poverty. Jyothi’s Home for Children is located in South Asia and now serves 450 homeless children daily who would otherwise be subject to constant hunger, street pandering, forced labor, and disease. A local Church of God pastor, along with a private American foundation, constructed an orphanage in this impoverished city, and it is now one of the most respected homes for children in the country. Due to the large number of children served, the facility has many needs ranging from funding to build a school to basic items such as bunk beds, mattresses, and bedding on which the children can sleep.
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
Child abandonment has become an increased issue in this particular part of South Asia since 2009. In most cases these children are abandoned because of financial issues, relational problems, gender preferences or simply because they are unwanted.
Abuse
It’s been reported by the State Crime Records Bureau (SCRB) that there is a 200% increase in reported crimes against children in part of South Asia. Rape tops this list.
Child Labor
There are an estimated 17 million child laborers in this part of South Asia, the world’s highest number of working children. A lot of these children end up as “street beggars” and “rag pickers”, scouring garbage.
HOME
The home is comprised of a single large building. The building itself is in need of a dome to cover the roof, as well as a gated security wall. Each child has a bed, and access to clean water 24/7.
EDUCATION
To give their children a quality, Christian education, the home runs a school on its premises. All school aged children are enrolled in classes according to age and grade level.
FAITH
Jyothi’s Home for Children teaches the children about the Bible and Jesus through lessons and Bible studies during the week. The children are also involved in church on Sundays.
HEALTH
Children here are fed three healthy meals a day. The children are able to receive medical care when needed, however, need additional support to ensure all the children are vaccinated to combat preventable illnesses.
SPONSOR THIS HOME
Jyothi’s Home South Asia – Sponsorship Needs
$46,188 of $60,000 raised
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.