Right now, somewhere in the world, children are orphaned, neglected, and abused.
Oftentimes, boys and girls are forced to fend for themselves in a hostile world. Most live in poverty, performing menial tasks or turning to prostitution to survive. With little education and opportunity, and a shattered sense of security, their futures can seem hopeless.
In the midst of their struggles, ADRA is there. Our programs provide shelter, healing, and vital hope to millions of the world’s most vulnerable.
Soma’s Story: Escaping the streets
Soma’s father is ill with TB and cannot work, so she has been working in the streets collecting papers and medical waste instruments since she was four years old. Out of desperation, her mother forced her into prostitution to help the family.
ADRA Bangladesh found Soma and invited her to a social center, where she is learning to read, write, and play music, and can play sports and relax in a safe place. ADRA staff are providing her family with counseling and ensuring that Soma is not forced into prostitution any more.
“Everybody loves us very much, and they never mistreat us. The ADRA center is changing my life.” Soma, 14, Bangladesh
Murasira’s Story: Giving Back
Murasira’s father died at the hands of friends and neighbors in the Rwandan genocide of 1994; his mother succumbed to AIDS years later. After three years of subsisting on what food they could grow and the odd jobs they could work, his only brother left the country in search of better jobs.
Murasira joined ADRA’s food-for-work program three years ago, and has found hope, encouragement, and a sense of security. Now 18, he builds roads in exchange for food to supplement his small garden. In his free time, he volunteers with ADRA, helping with food distribution.
“Everything that I have received, I must give to others. I find that everything that I give to others, I will receive. Thank you to the ADRA donors who help bring this food directly to us. Thank you for giving us a future.” Murasira, 18, Rwanda
Adirake’s Story: Recovering from Tragedy
Adirake’s family lost their home and everything they owned when a tsunami hit Phang Nga, Thailand. Shortly after, both of his parents died.
Adirake was taken in by a school that works with ADRA counselors, and selected to attend ADRA’s Adventure Therapy Camp. ADRA has helped him develop problem-solving skills, overcome the fears left by the tsunami, and communicate with people again.
“Now I am a stronger and better person. I will never forget what ADRA has done for me.” – Adirake, 17, Thailand
ADRA believes that investing in a child is investing in a better future for everyone. Our work with children and their communities instill hope and create a brighter future.
Help ADRA ensure that children thrive. Give generously today.
Five Reasons You Should Get Involved
- 25,000 children die each day due to poverty
- Of the 2.2 billion children in the world, half live in poverty
- In 2008, there were 13 million children who had lost both of their parents.
- Approximately 55% of child heads of families are girls.
- Based on enrollment data, about 72 million children of primary age in the developing world were not in school. In 2005, 57% of them were girls.
