Woes of the African Orphan

The orphan in Africa is one of the most neglected and dejected. The African orphan’s struggle is a tale of profound hardship. Bereft of the basic necessities like food, water, and shelter, they often start life unaware of their plight, only to be thrust into a world of abuse and forced labor.

Societal Superstitions: Some African communities have negative notions about being an orphan. The death of one parent or both may signify a sign of bad luck to the extended family and the society as a whole. As a result, stigmatization sets in. The orphan here is therefore discriminated against and meted out with maltreatment by the ‘care- taker’. The orphan’s right is violated, making them emotionally upset and psychologically unbalanced.

The African Orphan’s Journey: The African orphan has a lonely beginning. Their lives range from living in slums, on streets and in ghettos. To survive, they take on hazardous jobs such as

‘kayayes’ (manual laborers), risking their lives to vehicular accidents and exploitation. Malnutrition and inadequate care leave them susceptive to diseases.

Education: A majority of African orphans have no access to education due to financial constraints. Even the lucky ones amongst them (those in orphanages) lack quality education.

Limited Opportunities: Going through hardships and mental agony as elaborated above, most orphans in Africa do not make it to the job market opportunities. The severe trials prevent many African orphans from accessing opportunities, with some becoming street children.

Volunteering and Giving Back: In the light of these challenges, volunteering and contributing to African communities is not just beneficial but essential. It’s a beacon of hope for those who have been left behind.