Working Together to End Orphanhood

2024 has started off strong for WWO Europe. The WWO Global Forum in Chiang Mai, Thailand was a highlight, where our team served in different ways – from speaking and teaching, to organizing volunteers and helping with social media.  

The event, which hosted almost 500 people from around the globe, was an opportunity to network with others, be inspired, and receive all kinds of training. We enjoyed meeting with the European attendees, where they shared country updates, and we discussed the needs and goals of different regions.  

In April, our Leading Coordinator, Richard, took part in Bulgaria Without Orphans’ first national forum, which saw 60 participants gather for training and networking. Richard and co-facilitator, Alex Ilie, Executive Director of Romania Without Orphans, received positive feedback on the 4 sessions they taught on ‘collaboration’. The event was a success, and we anticipate long-term impacts for all who attended.  

Richard also met with contacts in Serbia, where a promising without orphans movement is emerging. He helped assemble Easter baskets for sale as part of a fundraiser to help young adults who age out of orphanages in Belgrade. The money is being raised to help provide transition housing to children who have aged out of the care system.  

In Finland, a trauma-awareness training session was recently held for 40 people, under the government-funded program. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and the movement is gaining momentum. Two foster parents in attendance were encouraged to go by their own foster daughter who said, “You really should join the training day, as you need to understand children with trauma if you will foster other children. All of us (foster children) are traumatized.” 

We hosted two webinars this spring and are already planning the next one for June. 

Thank you to all who gave during the LittlexLittle campaign! We cannot do what we do without your support.