From The Way Forward Project-
“Despite facing a host of obstacles, the majority of families in the six African countries addressed by The Way Forward Project – Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda – have proven to be remarkably resilient. In the face of extreme poverty, HIV/AIDS, unchecked urbanization, inadequate social services and, in some cases, armed conflict, most families have been able to care for their children, send them to school and provide for their basic needs. The vast majority of orphans in these countries are living in families. It is essential to recognize that extended families systems in these countries are fundamentally important resources, and that they are dealing with enormous challenges. Families need support to more effectively provide the love and care essential to children’s survival and development….
In Africa and other regions, studies have consistently found that the large majority of children living in orphanages have one or more living parents or other close relatives. Poverty, more than a lack of family members who can provide care, pushes most of these children into orphanages. As a result, uncounted children, out of sight and out of mind, remain separated from the care of their families, and are increasingly likely to never be reunited with them. Finally, the well-intentioned attempt to use orphanages to meet the needs of these children has been shown to be detrimental to the health and well-being of both the children and their families.”
