The Philippines is a growing nation with bustling cities and thriving urban areas. However, the country has struggled with the growing number of abandoned children. According to the United Nations Children’s Rights & Emergency Relief Organization, approximately 1.8 million children are abandoned or neglected. Although the country has seen a decline in poverty rates in recent years, a staggering 36 percent of people living in rural communities live below the poverty line. Agriculture and fishing are common sources of income for families in the Philippines, but unfortunately, the country is extremely prone to natural disasters, impacting productivity. Poverty is a common contributing factor to child abandonment. Families feel they cannot provide for their children and leave them to find work elsewhere. Natural disasters have also created issues of displacement and the death of parents. In addition to natural disasters, the southern part of the Philippines has had a long history of armed conflict. Today, regions that are most impacted by armed conflict are also the places with the highest number of orphans. Unfortunately, children who have lost one or both parents face numerous vulnerabilities, such as human trafficking, recruitment as child soldiers, child labor, prostitution, substance abuse, and gang recruitment.
Gentle Hands, Inc. is a front-line child welfare agency dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of at-risk children in the Philippines. It houses more than 50 babies and children and assists them in various stages of rehabilitation, legal paperwork, adoption, and reunification. This children’s home is a life-changing sanctuary for many abused and abandoned children in the Philippines. It is one of only five agencies in the country with a license to recruit and license foster families. This home is a strong voice for child rights advocacy in the Philippines so they can enroll in school and have a chance at succeeding.
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.