ORPHAN CRISIS IN THE PHILIPPINES
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 CHILDREN’S HOME
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.
PROMINENT ISSUES
Poverty
Since many families in the Philippines work in the agricultural industry to make money, natural disasters have impacted their livelihood. More than 32 percent of the population living in rural areas are living below the poverty line.
Abuse
In a recent study UNICEF found that 4 in 10 Filipino children live in poverty. Often this drives the child to work for their families, making them at-risk for exploitation, often in the form of abuse.
Abandonment
Gentle Hands is on the front lines of rescuing abandoned children. Just recently they were able to spare the lives two babies who were left by their mothers. UNICEF estimates that around 1.8 million children are abandoned or neglected in the Philippines.
HOME
The 2 buildings which comprise Gentle Hands Children’s Home are multilevel, providing plenty of space for all the various needs of the home. With the number of children they have taken in steadily rising, Gentle Hands desires to hire more staff. As for children leaving the home, Gentle Hands has been able to see many children find forever families through adoption. Consider coming alongside them as they care for the Philippines’ most vulnerable.
EDUCATION
All of the children at Gentle Hands attend public school or are home schooled. The home finished renovating a new space for a classroom. There are children of all ages who are supported by the home, from elementary school to college. However, tuition for older children is costly and it does add another expense to the home’s budget.
FAITH
Gentle Hands not only takes good care of their children, but also gives them an outstanding spiritual formation. The home looks to God for their needs, knowing that he is faithful. God has blessed their ministry as they rescue babies from abandonment and see many children come to restoration and healing.
HEALTH
There are nurses on staff for general care, however, when a serious medical issue arises, the children are taken to a hospital nearby. All children have received vaccinations as recommended by the governmental health organization, and recommended medical tests for HIV, Hepatitis and parasites are regularly administered. There is also a licensed counselor on staff who helps the children overcome trauma and develop coping mechanisms.
Gentle Hands Philippines – Sponsorship Needs
$1,628 of $36,000 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.