Working Together to End Orphanhood

Germany

When it comes to orphans and vulnerable children, we tend to think of countries in Eastern Europe or Africa. Yet did you know that the rate for children in residential care is 570 per 100,000 population aged 0-17 years in Germany? This is nearly 5x higher than the UNICEF estimated global rate, and higher than the estimated rate for other European and Central Asian countries. (p. 31 Source: https://www.unicef.org/eca/reports/pathways-better-protection)

The lack of long-term foster parents and social workers were discussion points at the first roundtable toward a Without Orphans movement in Germany in May. Richard and Barbara (WWO Europe) facilitated the 2-day meeting in Bad Blankenburg, with about 30 people in attendance. Many participants were foster parents who brought their expertise to the table, and the two days were filled with group discussions and sharing outcomes.

In the end, a short list was made of topics everyone agreed need more attention in Germany, including strengthening and connecting foster parents, raising awareness about the harm volunteering in orphanages does, and working towards a recognition of FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) as a disability in Germany. Several people agreed to be involved in work groups, and everyone was encouraged and eager to continue and see a movement develop in Germany.

Armenia

Barbara, our team member and trauma trainer recently travelled to the capital of Armenia for a first meeting with people interested in a Without Orphans movement and with a group of about 30 psychologists looking for trauma training.

For the past several years Armenia was at war with its neighbour Azerbaijan, and about a year ago, over 100,000 Armenians who had been living inside Azerbaijan had to flee, losing everything including family members. Psychologists tried to help and reach out, but soon realised that more training was needed.

While in Yerevan, we were able to offer training for psychologists and teachers. We also held meetings with people interested in starting a Without Orphans movement. Everyone attending those meetings agreed that something had to change in their country to help the most vulnerable children, and many expressed that they wanted to be part of the change.

Sweden

Every year around 20,000 Swedish children are placed in temporary foster care or formal residential homes. This summer, two Swedish ladies met with Suvi, our Programmes Manager, in Northern Sweden to talk about developing a national movement in Sweden.  During the last 2.5 years we’ve seen the emerging of a national movement in Finland and are excited and grateful for the recent developments in Sweden. We continue to work towards a strong movement to emerge for the sake of vulnerable children in the Nordic countries.

Albania

In Albania, we rejoice to hear that more adoptions are taking place! Recently, Trauma Free World, together with our WWO Albania partners have been able to train 100 professionals working with vulnerable children.

Thank you for your continued support of this work. We look forward to helping many more children in the days to come!