ORPHAN CRISIS IN SOUTH ASIA
This particular part of South Asia has the largest child population in the world. Unfortunately, the newest research shows that approximately 4% of the child population in this region are orphans. That’s 20 million children with no family, which is 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 early 2 million children born yearly do not live to the age of 5. These issues, combined with an unbalanced caste system, make orphaned children in South Asia most at risk.
ABOUT RAISE A CHILD
Raise A Child Home was founded out of a deep compassion for orphaned and abandoned children, inspired by a life-changing encounter. The founder had a personal transformation after accepting Jesus Christ. Early in his faith, he volunteered in church outreaches, where he witnessed a heartbreaking tragedy at a local railway station. An orphaned boy, desperate for attention and care, tragically touched high-voltage cables and was killed instantly. The apathy of those around him, including a police officer who cursed the dead boy, sparked a profound desire to make a difference for children in similar situations. The founder prayed for guidance, and God prompted him to take action.
In response, he gathered a group of young believers and started small outreach efforts to help children living on the streets. They began by offering food, clothing, and basic care at railway stations, but found that many of the children would return to their harsh circumstances, using the clothes they received to clean train compartments. This fueled a vision to establish a permanent home where these children could find refuge, care, and a chance for a better future.
In 2003, this vision came to life with the creation of a small home in a rented building, initially housing 10 children. Over the years, Raise A Child Home has grown, impacting over 500 children, both long-term and short-term. Today, the home provides long-term care for 50 children, offering them not just shelter, but also education, emotional support, and opportunities for personal growth. The founder and his wife, Prashanthi, are fully committed to serving vulnerable children and continue to dedicate their lives to this mission. Through faith and compassion, Raise A Child Home remains a beacon of hope for children in desperate need.
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. In most cases, these children are abandoned because of financial issues, relational problems, disabilities, gender preferences, or simply because they are 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 particular part of South Asia, the world’s highest number of working children. A lot 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
With love, care, and attention at the forefront, Raise A Child provides a stable living environment to orphaned and abandoned children. Currently, Raise a Child consists of two homes – one for boys and one. for girls. With gender-appropriate dorms, a kitchen, bathrooms, and outdoor space, the children have plenty of space to roam and play.
HEALTH
With routine medical check-ups, transportation to the nearest hospital when needed, and proper nutrition, Raise A Child is addressing the healthcare needs of all the children under their care. At Raise A Child, they are committed to ensuring that the children under their care receive nutritious, balanced, and culturally rich meals to support their health and well-being.
FAITH
At Raise A Child, children are given a well-rounded faith experience. They participate in daily devotions, which help establish a strong foundation of faith from an early age. On Sundays, children are involved in worship services and Sunday School, where they are taught important biblical lessons in ways that are both meaningful and age-appropriate. In addition to these regular activities, children also look forward to the Saturday Children’s Club, a lively and enriching program that includes games, teachings, and fellowship opportunities. Throughout the year, Raise A Child also hosts special events such as children’s rallies and Vacation Bible School, providing even more avenues for growth, learning, and community. These various programs are designed to nurture each child’s spiritual development while fostering a sense of belonging and support within a loving and caring environment.
EDUCATION
Raise A Child values and prioritizes education. Each child is enrolled and required to attend the local public school. They are transported safely to and from school via public transport. They are given school supplies and other resources to succeed in their studies.