I started feeling uncomfortable and in turn writing about the troubling trend of orphanages as a growing industry back in 2010. (Vulnerable children do not have to be institutionalized. There are other ways to address this.)
In the last six years, dozens and dozens (hundreds) of new orphanages have opened in Haiti. Currently young women and churches are raising money to start their new program and build their new buildings. These well-intentioned folks come in and build their buildings and take in children that have living families in a country where extended family often raises children.
What usually happens from there is pretty much the most devastating thing I have observed in our decade in Haiti.
Talking about this can cause defensiveness and a shut-down in conversation. Shutting down conversation is not the goal of sharing what we've seen and learned.
We need - we MUST - ask ourselves really hard questions and examine the things we do. It requires a lot of humility, it requires being willing to change course.
I found this to be a very excellent talk and I hope everyone that cares about children will watch this.
In the last six years, dozens and dozens (hundreds) of new orphanages have opened in Haiti. Currently young women and churches are raising money to start their new program and build their new buildings. These well-intentioned folks come in and build their buildings and take in children that have living families in a country where extended family often raises children.
What usually happens from there is pretty much the most devastating thing I have observed in our decade in Haiti.
Talking about this can cause defensiveness and a shut-down in conversation. Shutting down conversation is not the goal of sharing what we've seen and learned.
We need - we MUST - ask ourselves really hard questions and examine the things we do. It requires a lot of humility, it requires being willing to change course.
I found this to be a very excellent talk and I hope everyone that cares about children will watch this.
More Thoughts and Observations Here:
A Boat that Needs Rocking
Alleviate
First, do no harm
