Parental love and care during a child's early years lay the groundwork for a happy, healthy, and prosperous future. The importance of parental support in fostering confidence and fulfilment cannot be overstated. However, for over 100 million children worldwide, this fundamental safety net has been tragically torn away due to unfortunate circumstances and personal tragedies.
Every day, nearly 5,700 children become orphans, facing a world without the love and care that is their birthright. The absence of parental guidance leaves these children vulnerable to neglect, social isolation, trauma, and the harsh experiences of poverty. In the face of this immense challenge, it becomes a collective responsibility for each of us to step up and support these orphans.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasised the importance of caring for orphans, as narrated by Abu Darda (ra): “Bring the orphan close to you, pat his head, and feed him with the same food you eat. It will soften your heart and fulfil your need.” This timeless guidance serves as a reminder to our Muslim brothers and sisters of the profound impact that compassion and care can have on the lives of these innocent children. Helping Hand for Relief and Development, among many of their programs, has an Orphan Support Program that supports these kids with almost everything they need.
Image Credit: Helping Hand for Relief and Development
HHRD Orphan Support Program Supporting Children in Need
World Orphans Day is on November 13th, and it serves as a reminder of all those orphans and underprivileged children worldwide. It reminds people and organisations to become the voice for these forgotten children, advocating for their needs and rights. World Orphans Day encourages initiatives that provide access to basic human necessities, education, and life skills while fostering sponsorship and adoption to ensure a brighter and more hopeful future.
Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD) has been at the forefront of this noble cause through its Orphan Support Program, among other programs. Last year alone, the program provided care for 24,450 children in Palestine, Syria, Jordan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Kashmir, Indonesia, Kenya, Haiti, and Sri Lanka. With a commitment of just $1 a day, sponsors contribute to meeting the holistic needs of these orphans, including food, clothing, shelter, healthcare, education, and financial support. However, beginning January 1, 2024, orphan sponsorship will increase to 67 cents more daily. This minor change happened because of the growing need and the organisation's commitment to providing even more support to these children who deserve it so much.
As we go through another World Orphans Day this year, let us collectively aim to make a lasting impact on the lives of these vulnerable children. We can make positive change through the simple yet profound act of supporting an orphan.
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