ORPHAN CRISIS IN SOUTH ASIA
This particular 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 part of South Asia 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 in this part of the world do not live past the age of five. These issues, combined with an unbalanced caste system make orphaned children in South Asia most at risk.
MOUNT CARMEL CHILDREN’S HOME
Mount Carmel Children’s Home is located in South Asia. The home has a purpose to give children who have been abandoned or orphaned a safe, loving, and nurturing environment. Staff at Mount Carmel work to ensure that all the children’s physical, spiritual, emotional, and educational needs are met and that they are given every opportunity to reach their full potential. At Mount Carmel, caretakers realize that the children who come through their doors have experienced trauma. Caretakers try to help the children with their healing by providing counselors trained in clinical and biblical counseling.
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 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 this 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 the garbage.
HOME
The home is made up of four separate buildings: the dining hall and kitchen, the boys dormitory, the girls dormitory, and the chapel. The dormitories are provided with gender appropriate sleeping arrangements and each child is provided with a warm bed. The home is also provided with electricity and an indoor plumbing system.
EDUCATION
All the school aged children in the home are enrolled in public school. They walk, use public vehicles, or sometimes, they are transported by a vehicle owned by the home. They are provided with books, tuition, and uniforms.
FAITH
Mount Carmel takes the time to teach 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
The children in the home are taken to a public hospital if the need arises. They have been vaccinated as recommended by the government health organization. They also receive four meals a day, but are still in need of support to guarantee all their nutritional needs are met.
SUPPORT THIS HOME
Mount Carmel South Asia – Sponsorship Needs
$34 of $12,000 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.