Ghanaian orphanages and the struggle to help children in need

Lack of financial resources:

Sometimes projects begin by people with big hearts and good intentions, but no means of providing proper care. There may be a great staff and a great mission, but without the funds to give the children shelter, food, beds, clothes, education, etc, how are you helping? All you are doing at this point is collecting needy children. 

There are also many unfinished projects due to insufficient funds. Buildings are built--intended to be schools or children's homes--but they remain vacant because the finances are not there to carry out its purpose. Money sits because it is donated for too specific of a project that is either not necessary or not currently possible. Or there are people who are able and willing to give, but they don't know where to go or what the needs are. And so on.

Lack of human resources:

One of the biggest issues at Ryvanz-Mia in Kpando, Ghana is that they are severely understaffed. Maame Esi (who is not only an elderly woman but also has trouble walking) is the only caretaker for the 20+ children in their care. If it wasn't for people in the community helping her out, she would have to do all the cooking, cleaning, bookkeeping, and caring for the children on her own. They have the facilities to run a children's home--beds, electricity, water, food, etc--but they need people. They even have vacant rooms ready to house any volunteers! What they are missing are volunteers themselves. 

Providing educational needs:

Education in Ghana is not free. This means that children in poverty, especially orphans, have difficulty getting a proper education. The only way many orphan children are able to go to school at all is through donations and sponsorships. School fees are one of Ryanz-Mia's greatest expenses, and as the children get older their fees only get higher. 

Education is also affected by health. Children coming into care often suffer from malnutrition and/or illness. They cannot go to school until they are healthy enough to do so. This is why orphaned and impoverished children are often so behind in school (I'm talking teenager-in-the-second-grade behind).

Corruption:

And then you have corrupted orphanages and children's homes, where people are exploiting children for their own personal gain. Sometimes this is by stealing children and then asking for funding or donations. Sometimes this is by selling children through illegal adoptions. There are also cases of extreme abuse and mistreatment of children. 

Looking at all the struggles facing social services in Ghana,

it is easy to get frustrated. it's like no one can get on the same page. A piece of the puzzle seems to always be missing.

How can you help?

There is so much you could do. Sponsor a child for a year so they can go to school. Send clothes or toys. Donate money. Or even come volunteer and experience Ghana!

If you are interested in making a contribution--whether your business, your church, or you personally--or volunteering, contact Becka Birman at beckabirman@gmail.com or call/text 734-620-8129. You can also check out Ryvanz-Mia's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ryvanzmia.