Orphans

Orphans live in some of the harshest conditions the world has to offer. In Africa, Asia, and South America there are over one hundred and eight million orphans. These children, through no act of their own, are condemned to lives of ever present danger and hardship. Poverty, AIDS and poor working conditions are some of the leading causes of death that leave children without parents, fending for themselves. Each year 14,000,000 orphans, or one orphan every 2.2 seconds, are forced into an early adulthood without the sanctuary of a loving family.

Why so many Orphans?

There are many factors that lead to a child becoming orphaned, including family income, working conditions, health, and a myriad of other living conditions. In Africa, HIV/AIDS is the primary reason children end up without parents. Each year, over 2,000,000 children become orphans as a result of HIV/AIDS. Throughout Asia and South America poverty is the leading factor that results in orphaned children.

How can you help?

There are two ways to help orphans. The first is direct intervention. Orphanages are often underfunded and overcrowded, and by donating to an orphanage you can have an immense impact on the life a child. The second method is through preventative aid. By donating a home garden, those with HIV/AIDS maintain the nutrition they need to take their antiretrovirals, extending their lives by decades and caring for their children. In order to prevent children losing parents as a result of poverty, donating a technical education can give a person the ability to increase their income, and life their family out of poverty.