ORPHAN CRISIS IN SOUTH ASIA
South Asia has the largest child population in the world. Unfortunately, the newest research shows that approximately 4% of this region’s child population are orphans. That is 20 million children with no family, projected to increase over the next decade. Orphaned children face extreme vulnerabilities, including sex trafficking, forced child labor, HIV/ AIDS, and substance abuse. Many children have lost their parents because of abandonment due to poverty, illness, and death.
Even children with families in this region face unimaginable hardships. Most do not attend school regularly as they are pressured to go to work and earn money for their families. Health is also a struggle as 2 million children born yearly do not live to see the age of 5. These issues and an unbalanced caste system make orphaned children in South Asia the most at risk.
ABOUT LITTLE FLOWER
In 2012, Little Flower was established to serve the growing number of orphaned and vulnerable children in its community. Children are referred to Little Flower for several reasons, including the death of a parent, drug addiction, abuse, and abandonment due to poverty or disability. This home exists to extend compassion and the love of Christ to every child under their care. At Little Flower, the children are cared for physically, spiritually, and emotionally. The core value of this home is that every life is precious and worthy of love.
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
Abandonment
Child abandonment has become an increased issue in this part of South Asia. These children are often abandoned because of financial issues, relational problems, disabilities, gender preferences, or simply unwanted.
Crime
It’s been reported by the State Crime Records Bureau (SCRB) that there is a 200% increase in reported crimes against children in this part of South Asia. Sexual assault tops this list.
CHILD LABOR
There are an estimated 17 million child laborers in this part of South Asia, the world’s highest number of working children. Many of these children end up as “street beggars” and “rag pickers.” These children are particularly vulnerable to assault and other forms of street violence.
WE BELIEVE
HOME
The facility is located in a rural setting, approximately 10 km from the nearest city. Fully equipped with dorms, bathrooms, a kitchen, and more, the children have space to roam and play. With their eye on sustainability, the leadership of this home has invested in a small animal farm on the property where they raise their livestock.
HEALTH
The children have access to proper medical care and are always cared for when sick. When a serious issue arises, they are taken to a hospital in the city. The children are served three daily nourishing meals: grains, dairy, vegetables, and protein.
FAITH
Giving the children the opportunity to grow in their relationship is Christ is a priority at Little Flower Children’s Home. The staff and children attend church every week, where the children are actively involved. The children participate in weekly devotions and Bible studies at home.