Improving the lives of vulnerable children

Support for orphanages from the USA stems from three main sources: gap year travellers, students engaging in global service learning, funding from churches and support from short-term mission teams. It is estimated that more than two million Christians from north America participate in short-term mission trips every year. 

At the end of 2017, ReThink Orphanages established its third regional Hub, in the US, bringing together individuals and organisations representing child protection, international aid and development, travel, education and Christian faith communities working to prevent family separation and the unnecessary institutionalization of children. 

The USA is the only nation in the world to have a whole-government strategic action plan for improving the lives of vulnerable children overseas. 

It sets out three  objectives:

  • To build strong beginnings: The US Government will help ensure that children under 5 not only survive, but also thrive by supporting comprehensive programs that promote sound development of children through the integration of health, nutrition, and family support.
  • To put family care first: US Government assistance will support and enable families to care for their children; prevent unnecessary family-child separation; and promote appropriate, protective, and permanent family care.
  • To protect children: The US Government will facilitate the efforts of national governments and partners to prevent, respond to, and protect children from violence, exploitation, abuse, and neglect.

We believe this can only be achieved if the US shifts the way businesses, educational institutions, churches and citizens engage with overseas aid and development.

Please get in touch if you would like to connect with the US Hub.