45 GIRLS
33 DOUBLE ORPHANS
ORPHAN CRISIS IN VIETNAM
The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is located in South East Asia, bordering China to the North, and Cambodia and Laos to the west. On the surface, Vietnam has done well to repair and heal from decades of war. However, one of the consequences of the many lives lost, and the environmental and economical impact is extreme poverty, especially for those living in rural, mountainous regions. As a result, parents leave their children with relatives in search for work, or they simply feel they cannot provide for their children and abandon them at a temple, church or orphanage. Although Vietnam has improved in many ways in recent years, we can’t ignore the country’s orphan crisis. It is estimated that there are approximately 2 million orphans in Vietnam. Poverty causes children to be forced to work; and those orphaned and abandoned are particularly vulnerable to human trafficking. They are trafficked within the country, or across the border into neighboring countries, to work in different jobs, including the sex trade. For orphaned or abandoned children from ethnic minorities, such as the H’mong struggle even more. They do not speak Vietnamese, and suffer oppression. The girls are often married by 12, and become mothers by 15. Center of Hope works to change this reality.
CENTER OF HOPE
Center of Hope Children’s Home is a non-profit organization that is giving care to children who are poor, abandoned, hurting, and orphaned. They work closely with the H’mong tribe and King tribe people. Most of the children taken in are from the H’mong tribe because poverty has taken their parents from them and they’re left to wander the jungle alone. It is not uncommon for parents to abandon their children at a church or temple. Center of Hope has formed a network of relationships with a church in the highlands and some local officials, who have been a steady referral source, bringing children who have been left on their doorstep or found in the jungle. Every child at Center of Hope is of the H’mong Tribe, and often cannot speak Vietnamese upon entering the home. The family on site has successfully taught the children Vietnamese through morning lessons, 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
Poverty is a huge issue when it comes to the children in Vietnam, especially among the H’mong tribe where most of the children are found abandoned. The tribe consists of poor farmers who can’t provide for their families in any way and leave in search for work.
Violence and Prejudice
The H’mong people have suffered years of being considered outcasts in Vietnamese society. They are an extremely marginalized group, and are often subject to violence, prejudice and unfair treatment.
Sex Trafficking
Child abuse among Vietnamese children is not uncommon. Over the last few years the number of abuse cases have increased and most are even being seen in the school system. Some children are even found living in swamps or abandoned building in order to get away from the physical and emotional abuse they receive in their very own home.
HOME
After the completion of recent renovations, Center of Hope is a nice property that sits on a spacious piece of land. The property consists of a Kitchen, director’s home, offices, boys and girls dorms, and multiple units with individual toilets. With a large communal area, children have plenty of room to explore and play.
EDUCATION
Most of the children are enrolled in public school. Those who are not enrolled are in the process of learning Vietnamese through morning tutorials, so they can be enrolled. Those who are enrolled are provided with tuition, uniforms, school supplies and transportation.
FAITH
Center of Hope makes sure that the children are learning about the Lord through daily worship, devotions and weekly Bible studies. All children also attend church every Sunday, and each have their own bible. The church sits on the property, and the children are involved in various programs and activities.
HEALTH
When a serious medical issue arises, the children are taken to Saigon Hospital. A generous missionary couple comes to the home every month to do basic medical checks and administer medication if needed. The children are also provided with three meals a day, consisting of grains, protein, fruits and vegetables.
SPONSOR THIS HOME
Center of Hope Vietnam – Sponsorship Needs
$986 of $18,000 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.
