We understand that in spite of many valiant efforts to create clean, orderly orphanages, there is still nothing on earth which can replace the comfort and stability of belonging to a home and family. Many studies have shown that children who remain within institutions, leave psychologically stunted...regardless of the quality of care given. In light of this knowledge, we wil strive with all our effort to adopt our children into loving Ethiopian homes. However, realistically, not all children will be adopted out. So...
The wonderful families who open their hearts and homes and wish to host, foster or mentor our children, will be working in close partnership with The Spark of Light Village and The Pearl Foundation. There are three main programs in which our children who are not adopted will be placed.
Foster care will be a long term partnership program with families in the community taking the child(ren) into their home to raise as a part of their family. These families will be working hand in hand with us, and will receive benefits such as health care for themselves and their children, along with education. We will work with the foster family in a variety of ways that will further benefit all involved. The Spark of Light Village will remain the child's legal guardian.
Each child we receive will be assessed as to their own particular needs. For example, with older double orphaned children who are harder to adopt out, foster care will become the best option. Another example would be single orphaned children who are abandoned, abused, or who pass as double orphans. If we can't re-unite them with their biological families, we will assign foster care.
The majority of the babies we receive will be single orphaned as a result of the mother dying at childbirth. When this happens, most of these newborns die within their first year because the father is unable to properly care for the child.
Within the two year baby program, the infant's family will sign a contract between themselves and The Spark of Light Village which will bind them to frequent visits and hands on involvement with their baby. The newborn will then remain at the Village in our care, or will be placed with a host family. (These special families will agree to take children for short term care.) During the most crucial growth and development years, the child will thrive and grow into a strong toddler.
Through those same two years, we will work closely with the biological family introducing programs which will improve their standard of living through education and training. The healthy toddler will then be returned to a family who now has hope for a better future.
Our mentors will act as surrogate part-time family members to those children who can't be placed. Mentors will be involved in the child's life through weekend visits, and holiday stays, as well as apprenticeships and training. We hope that these "family" bonds that form between the mentor families and the child will continue to grow strong throughout their lives.
For those children who stay for a period of time, or who remain living within the Village, play and family oriented celebrations and traditions will also be established and enacted. Various religions and types of spirituality will be honored and espoused. Our Village will maintain a spiritual environment; however no particular belief system will be imposed upon the children. When they come to us with a specific spiritual background, it will be that belief which will be encouraged and respected.
This approach is wise for three reasons. When a child comes to us he/she will be traumatized. Imposing a different belief system upon a child under these circumstances would be a grave mistake. Secondly, this gives the children a chance to live in harmony, love and respect with others who have different beliefs. This kind of attitude is sorely needed in the world today. Lastly, The Pearl Foundation will have the capacity to enter into any country no matter their religious affiliation, because we will not be seen as a group wishing to change their beliefs or culture. Rather, we will be there to help, uplift, guide and empower the children and the people we serve.
These Spark of Light children will attend classes at the local schools and participate in seasonal celebrations and events. We wish for all of our children to become an integral part of the local community and for that town to embrace and help nurture their growth.
Through these and other programs, the township will craft the foundation and building of its own advancement and prosperity through the aiding of their children, and themselves. There is always strength in numbers, and great strength is found in enlightened common goals. This is the intrinsic core of our vision: People serving on behalf of people create a better life for all.
