World Orphans Day

Every year on the second Monday of November, the world comes together to observe World Orphans Day. This important day serves as a powerful reminder of the millions of children around the globe who have lost their parents and face a future filled with uncertainty. It is a day to raise awareness, show compassion, and take action to support these vulnerable young lives. 

HISTORY OF WORLD ORPHANS DAY

By the early 1900s, the number of orphans in England had reached alarming proportions, and the conditions in which the orphaned children lived were often appalling and abusive. Charles Dickens’ most famous novel, “Oliver Twist”, depicts perfectly the hardships orphaned children had to endure in orphanages. 

In modern times, researchers claim that orphanages are the worst possible care option for children, as they do not receive the right amount of attention or physical contact to develop properly. This has caused many people, usually Westerners, to decide to adopt children from impoverished countries to give them a chance at a better life. Sadly, this trend has also lead to a large number of scams being perpetrated on unsuspecting parents-to-be, many of whom have paid enormous amounts of money to adopt children who had been bought from their parents for very little. 

On World Orphans Day, people are encouraged to actively participate in helping raise awareness, support, and funding for motherless and fatherless children worldwide. It’s a noble cause indeed! 

HOW CAN YOU CONTRIBUTE TO WORLD ORPHANS DAY?

There are several ways you can help on World Orphans Day: 

Raise Awareness: You can distribute information about the plight of orphans on social media and urge your friends to re-post or share it. 

Fundraising: You can host a fundraising event. This could be a bake sale, a sponsored run, or a simple door-to-door moneybox collection. 

Donations: You can make a donation to organizations that provide relief to orphans around the world2. Some organizations even allow you to sponsor a child for just $2 a day. 

Donation of Goods: Encourage your children to give their old clothes, toys, and books to a charity or someone else in need. You could also collect supplies like food and sanitary items to donate to a homeless shelter. 

Education: Teach your children about children who have lost their parents and are facing hardship at such a young age. 

Remember, every little bit helps and your contribution can make a big difference in the lives of these children. Thank you for your interest in supporting this cause! 

WHY CHILDREN BECOME ORPHANS?

Conflicts: Many people die from conflicts each year, leaving behind many children who are now on their own. Moreover, conflicts often also separate families. Parents may be sentenced to jail or deported to other countries while their children are left behind. 

Diseases: Especially in poor developing countries, diseases are a significant reason for orphanism. People often do not have the money to get proper treatment in hospitals and therefore have to deal with their diseases at home. 

Poverty: Poverty is another significant reason for orphanism. For poor families, it is often quite difficult to provide for all their children. This is especially true in regions with high unemployment. 

Social Stigma: In some societies, children may be abandoned due to social stigma associated with certain circumstances such as out-of-wedlock births. 

Accidents: Accidents can also lead to children becoming orphans if their parents are killed. 

Natural Disasters: Natural disasters like tsunamis, floods, and droughts have extremely negative effects on local communities. Mass death tolls and infrastructure damage lead to many children being orphaned. 

HOW WE OBSERVE ORPHANS DAY AT NOOR RELIEF FUND?

One of the primary goals of World Orphans Day is to raise awareness about the plight of orphans. By spreading knowledge about their struggles, we can help dispel myths and misconceptions, and encourage empathy and understanding in our communities. It’s crucial to understand that orphans come from diverse backgrounds and circumstances, and each child’s story is unique.  

According to UNICEF, there are over 140 million orphans worldwide. These children face numerous challenges, from basic survival needs to emotional well-being and access to education. World Orphans Day aims to shed light on their struggles and advocate for their rights. Some things which helps to break the cycle are creating awarness about following things.  

The Importance of Family: 

Family is the cornerstone of a child’s development, providing love, stability, and support. For orphans, the absence of a family structure can have profound and long-lasting effects on their well-being. World Orphans Day advocates for the importance of family-based care and highlights the need for nurturing environments where children can thrive. 

Supporting Orphaned Children: 

There are various ways individuals and communities can support orphaned children. Donating to reputable organizations that focus on orphan care and adoption is one way to make a difference. These organizations provide essential resources, including shelter, healthcare, and education, to orphaned children around the world. Volunteering time and skills to local orphanages or foster care programs can also have a positive impact. The presence of caring adults can provide emotional support and positive role models for these children. 

Additionally, considering adoption as a viable option for providing a loving home to a child in need is a meaningful way to contribute. Adoption offers the opportunity for a child to grow up in a stable, nurturing environment and experience the love and care that every child deserves. 

Education and Empowerment: 

Access to quality education is a fundamental right that every child deserves. Unfortunately, many orphaned children face barriers to education, including lack of resources and opportunities. World Orphans Day emphasizes the importance of providing these children with access to education, empowering them to break the cycle of poverty and build brighter futures. 

Education not only equips them with knowledge and skills but also instills confidence and a sense of purpose. By investing in their education, we are investing in their potential to become future leaders, innovators, and contributors to society. 

Breaking Stigmas: 

There are often stigmas associated with orphanhood, which can lead to discrimination and isolation for these children. World Orphans Day seeks to challenge these stereotypes and promote inclusivity and acceptance for all children, regardless of their family circumstances. 

It is crucial to recognize the strengths and capabilities of orphaned children and to provide them with opportunities to thrive and succeed. By breaking down these stigmas, we create a more inclusive society where every child feels valued and supported. 

Celebrating Resilience: 

Despite the challenges they face, orphaned children often exhibit remarkable resilience. They demonstrate strength, courage, and an unwavering spirit that inspires those around them. World Orphans Day celebrates the incredible potential within each of these young lives and encourages us to support and nurture their dreams and aspirations. 

Through resilience, these children demonstrate their ability to overcome adversity and to not only survive but to thrive. Their stories serve as a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for hope, resilience, and transformation. 

World Orphans Day serves as a powerful reminder that we have a collective responsibility to care for the vulnerable children in our global community. By raising awareness, providing support, and advocating for their rights, we can make a positive impact on the lives of millions of orphaned children. Together, we can create a world where every child can thrive, regardless of their circumstances. 

At Noor Relief Fund, we observe World Orphans Day, by being a source of hope and support for these young lives, and to work towards a future where every child can grow up in a loving, nurturing environment, surrounded by the care and opportunities they deserve. 

If you would like to sponsor an orphan, you can see more details about it in this page.