21 GIRLS
5 DOUBLE ORPHANS
ORPHAN CRISIS IN THE UKRAINE
War, drug addiction and disease have exposed the children of Ukraine to trauma that will last them a lifetime. Eastern Ukraine is still involved in a conflict that has left much of the country devastated. Since it began, thousands of civilians have been killed, and 1.7 million have been displaced. As with most systemic problems, they are interwoven, with one prompting another, creating a whole host of problems for its citizens. Substance abuse is one of the most prominent issues in Ukraine, with heroin being the primary substance of abuse because of easy access and high availability. According to the International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), released by the US Department of State, 68,220 drug addicts were registered in Ukraine as of May 2015. However, the report also estimated that the actual number of people with substance abuse disorders in Ukraine could be as high as half a million. With drugs flooding the nation, the country has been ranked as having one of the highest rates of HIV infection in all of Europe. The Ukraine has struggled with the issue of street children for years, many abandoned due to their parents’ addiction. Children who are alone face extreme vulnerabilities. The freezing cold temperatures are almost impossible to bear for those living on the streets. They are also at risk of substance abuse, sexual assault and engaging in a life of crime. They depend on the immediate shelter, food and care that homes like Pearl Orphanage can provide.
PEARL ORPHANAGE
Pearl Orphanage sprang up in the mid-1990s as a local church began to care for homeless children. The Christian community of Alexandria began taking in street children abandoned by their families and realized an opportunity to minister, not only to these marginalized children, but also to their broken families. Pearl Orphanage became a haven of safety and a bright gospel light in its community. Although they have faced many struggles over the years, including an attempted shut-down by the government, Pearl has prevailed as a beacon of hope for Alexandria’s orphans. By God’s grace, they are now recognized by the Ukrainian government. This has given them the opportunity to minister to several children who have been given over to them by the state since then. They consider it a privilege and a blessing to minister to little ones who have often dealt with heart-wrenching tragedy and loss. Today, Pearl Orphanage proudly points out that there are no more street children wandering in their region. With your support, Pearl will continue to provide a place for the orphaned and vulnerable children of Alexandria to receive care, hope, love and gospel truth.
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
HIV/ AIDS
Ukraine is the country worst affected by HIV/AIDS in all of Europe. UNICEF estimates that 80% of all infected people are young. The leading cause of transmission is a result of high drug use.
Abandonment
The issue of drug and alcohol abuse has led to higher incidences of child abandonment. Pearl has also received children who have been abandoned due to either disability or poverty.
War
Many families have been displaced as a result of the ongoing war. People living close to the warzone live in constant fear. Many times, children can hear the missiles and have to miss school to dig trenches.
HOME
In 2009, the leadership at Pearl decided to build a new building for their continuing ministry in the same village. They currently have two multi level buildings with enough space for caregivers and all children to live comfortably.
EDUCATION
The children receive their education at a public school two kilometers away. The school is very close to the home, so when the weather permits, they walk to school. During the harsh winter, they are transported by a vehicle owned by the home.
FAITH
Founded on the Christian values of love and care, to this day Pearl Orphanage has a burning passion to give homeless children a place to call home. The children attend church, and participate in weekly devotionals.
HEALTH
At Pearl, a nurse is always on site to tend to the immediate health needs of the children, and they also receive regular health exams. When a serious medical issue arises, the children are taken to a nearby hospital.
SPONSOR THIS HOME
Pearl Ukraine – Sponsorship Needs
$0 of $54,000 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.
OTHER URGENT NEEDS
2 Water Heaters
$0 of $390 raised
School Tuition and Supplies for 32 children ($142 per child)
$0 of $5,254 raised
Feminine Products, Diapers, Wipes and Shower Gel for 1 year
$0 of $2,136 raised
UKRAINIAN CHILDREN IN NEED OF SPONSORSHIP
