For decades, Christians have sent money to orphanages with pure motives but little understanding of the money’s impact. Data shows the cost of care for a child in a residential facility is five to 10 times higher than the cost associated with supporting a child in a family. And these numbers don’t account for the relational, developmental, and emotional costs to a child growing up outside of family—costs I paid dearly.
There Is a Better Way
After graduating from university, I returned to work for the orphanage where I spent my childhood, and it wasn’t long before I became the centre’s director.
We were grateful for the financial support of churches abroad. But it became increasingly hard to see Americans coming in for two weeks, playing and bonding with the children, and then leaving—causing yet another loss in these young people’s lives. Especially as their biological families were right there, right beyond the fence, almost within reach.
We needed to make a change.
Empowered with data and driven by my own experience, I initiated discussions that ultimately led to transitioning the orphanage into a family-focused Child Reintegration Centre. We were able to reunite every child with their family and then provide support for these vulnerable families. We now serve over 1600 children living in 430 family units in the community, offering healthcare, education, and resources.
It’s been a beautiful, healing journey. Instead of focusing on children individually, separated from family and love, we now serve and support families holistically. And so can you.
By supporting family-strengthening organizations like Helping Children Worldwide, a partner to the Child Reintegration Centre, you can have a lasting impact on the lives of countless children. Let’s challenge and change the long-held mindsets about orphan care. Let’s bring desperately needed family-centered help to the vulnerable, and let’s bring the “orphans” home.
