The only refuge and chance for survival for the children of this impoverished nation are the several thousand orphanages spread out accross this vast nation. Unfortunately they too are victims of a shattered economy in the infant stage of democracy and free trade. For any that depend upon the government for assistance, the outlook is dismal.
The best efforts of the governments limited resources are only a small percentage of the funds and supplies needed to operate the orphanages. The other options are the cold streets, starvation and death! Without constant begging by the orphanage directors from the locals in the settlements, THE CHILDREN WOULD NOT SURVIVE!
Life in The Orphanages
The typical orphanage facility would be condemned in this country. They are dark and damp with outdated and broken down equipment. The food supplies are very minimal, sometimes just a few tin buckets filled with vegetables donated by the locals. Mice and cockroaches flourish and share quarters with the children and workers in these facilities. There is rarely if ever, heated water for bathing or cleaning and the drinking water is unsafe by any standards. These factors have resulted in malnutrition, underdevelopment, lice infestation and many other ailments that far too often lead to permanent health problems and death.
A good day will find the children waking to a breakfast of mush, absent of any sugar or milk. Noon will find them eating vegetable soup if supplies allow. Quite often they do have bread (no butter), but fruit, sugar, meat and dairy products are rare or non-existent! Dressed in shares rags of clothing, and mismatched shoes that never fit, the children spend the day playing and working. They clean and wash bedding and clothing. They work in the garden and make what repairs the limited resources will allow. The children go to bed hungry, knowing the following day will simply be a repeat of the one that has just passed. Survival is a way of life for these orphans...they know nothing else. They go to sleep without hope and have nothing upon which they can base their dreams.
