ORPHAN CRISIS IN ARGENTINA
Despite the beautiful landscapes and bustling cities, Argentina has experienced significant political instability and turmoil, especially within the past century. In 2002, Argentina’s economy completely collapsed. As a result, nearly half of the country’s population fell into poverty. According to a recent UNICEF report, 6.3 million children under 18 are living in poverty. Unfortunately, the many challenges that low-income families are faced with also become major risk factors for child labor, abuse, and abandonment.
According to another United Nations Development Program report, Argentina also has an extremely high teen pregnancy rate compared with other countries with comparable socio-economic statistics. With few resources and access to social support, these young mothers are at a higher risk of abandoning their children. Furthermore, the country has dealt with a three-decade-long battle with an HIV/ AIDS epidemic. Deaths by HIV/AIDS and other issues such as violence and human trafficking have also contributed to the orphan crisis in Argentina.
SIERRA DORADA FOUNDATION
Sierra Dorada Foundation is a non-profit NGO that started more than 20 years ago to help the most vulnerable group of the population. They are devoted to looking after children and adolescents in social vulnerability, who may be victims of negligence, abuse, and violence. Sierra Dorada is driven by a deep sense of purpose, mission, and Christian values to work towards improving the childhood of the province of Córdoba in Argentina. There are more than 80 children currently living in the homes of San Marcos Sierras, Embalse, and El Diquecito, waiting for a better future.
The foundation engages with families, providing assistance in adoption and foster care processes.
In doing so, they support the children and the families, fostering a caring environment where children can flourish and families can heal.
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
Approximately 37% of Argentina’s population lives below the poverty line. Many families living in poor conditions struggle to find work to adequately provide for their children. Poverty is a leading risk factor for child abuse, abandonment and child labor.
Child Labor
In many cases, children of low income families are forced to drop out of school and work. Approximately 7% of children in Argentina aged 5 to 14 are forced to work in order to help their families provide for their basic needs.
Drug Abuse and Crime
According to the World Bank Group, Argentina has been dealing with the impact of the HIV/ AIDS epidemic for the past three decades. Deaths by HIV/AIDS have contributed to the number orphaned children in Argentina.
WE BELIEVE
HOME
When a child or adolescent joins the foundation, residing in one of the three homes- San Marcos, El Diquecito, or Embalse -they are accommodated in a shared bedroom with peers in the same age group. Each home provides breakfast, lunch, an afternoon snack, and dinner. Occasionally, they enjoy moments by the river or take group walks and have picnics.
EDUCATION
School-aged children at Sierra Dorada are enrolled in public school after an evaluation of their educational background.
FAITH
Sierra Dorada believes in God as a father, caretaker, and giver of everything. They intentionally share this belief with every child and adolescent under their care. They focus on the children knowing and feeling loved by Jesus no matter what happens to them. Through conversation, the staff explores questions the children have about God. Sometimes, they gather together around a bonfire to sing and praise Jesus and let the children talk about their feelings, thoughts, and ideas about Him.
Children under age 11 attend Saturday Bible school, and there are Friday lessons for teens 12 years or older.
HEALTH
The children in the homes undergo regular health check-ups. Some volunteers gladly provide medical assistance whenever needed. There is also a wonderful partnership between the foundation and the local hospital.