Raise a Generation to Change a Nation

Our 2022 Annual Report
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Care for double orphans in Malawi Africa
In a family home located in the child's village
And overseen by a local church in the same village.

Malawi Background

Malawi is a landlocked country in Africa bordered by Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia.  The territory was part of a British colony named, Nysadland, until independence in 1964. Malawi is considered one of the poorest countries in Africa. The population is estimated at 17M with a high proportion of young people.  Over half of the population lives below the poverty line. Despite its many economic and social challenges, the country is known by its nickname, "the warm heart of Africa".

Nearly one million orphans have lost one or both parents to AIDS or early death.  Orphaned children are often taken in by their extended family in their local village.  However, the children often lack sufficient parental care, lack proper nutrition, have inadequate shelter, limited access to education and healthcare and are at an increased risk of exploitation and abuse.

Institutional Orphanages

The solution for orphans has historically been institutional orphanages. These institutions are usually founded and funded by NGO’s and churches in the west. The institutions are very expensive to operate, but tend to be well funded. Key challenges with these institutions are:

  • Lack of parental nurturing and relationships, (especially with men).
  • Children lose contact with their extended family and local community (tribal village).
  • Children face a large risk of psychological issues (abandonment, anxiety, separation).
  • Children have no connection and are protected from local society.
  • Orphans often lack readiness/capability to re-assimilate into local culture as adults

Many studies have been conducted over the last 20 years suggesting that such orphanages are a poor solution for orphan children. Therefore, the current trend in many African countries is to de-institutionalize orphanages and recommend local solutions that involve the child's extended family and their local village.

Click on About Us to read about Orphan Shade's unique approach to help double orphans with a community-based model.

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