There is no lack of recognition that serious problems exist in our global family. We see the problems broadcast on our screens and in our newspapers every day. But what can we do?
Today's world is characterised by fast food, ready-made meals and heat-and-serve dinners. All too often we seek a ready-made solution to childcare - nicely packaged, labelled for quick identification with simple, easy to follow instructions.
An orphanage meets these requirements. Box the children up in an orphanage, clothe them, provide food and water, and add some education. Come back in ten years, take out the children and serve into society.
The REPLACE Campaign monitors the international media every day and each day we read of another fund-raising project to support or start an orphanage. Every day we read of well-meaning people going out to volunteer at orphanages. Often with a dash of instant-celebrity status. Instant philanthropy. Instant karma. Follow the instructions, come back in ten years, take out the child and serve into society.
An orphanage is a packaged solution that tells a lie. Most of the children in orphanages are not orphans. The packaging is misleading. It is a solution needs to be taken off the shelves.
There is another solution, one that does not lie, that is much harder to describe and not as easy to raise funds for. This solution does not come in a nicely packaged box. It is not a one-size-fits-all solution. This solution requires recognising each child as an individual. This work is usually carried out quietly, without fanfare, by unsung heroes.
These two new videos show the solution in practice. Please spend a few minutes to watch them.
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