Orphan Support

According to iNSAMER, the estimated number of orphans worldwide today exceeds 140 million, considering children aged 0-18 who have lost one or both parents as orphans. However, it is acknowledged that numerous children globally go unregistered as orphans due to various reasons. Some invisible orphans have never been registered because of technical difficulties and negligence. Taking all these cases into account, the actual number of orphans worldwide is estimated to be around 400 million. In Bangladesh, it is reported that there are approximately 4.9 million orphans (iNSAMER, 2020 orphan report, Date- 13 May 2020).

In the Sylhet City Corporation, there has been no study on orphans, resulting in the absence of a record of the total number of orphans in the corporation and its working wards. Recently, Zamzam Bangladesh collected data on more than 300 orphan children with the coordination and cooperation of the Upazila Administration of Sylhet Sadar and Osmani nagar Upazila in Sylhet and Shantiganj Upazila in Sunamganj District, with the support of local public representatives. Additionally, Zamzam implemented an orphan support project for approximately 500 orphans from 2017-2021, sponsored by Penny Appeal UK. Furthermore, Zamzam is facilitating various support programs for orphans, including monthly allowance and life-saving materials, educational support, provide primary health treatment and hygiene materials, sponsored by Zamzam Charitable Trust UK and other funding partners.

The targeted orphan beneficiaries are living in extremely poor families, primarily residing in rental private colonies or owning impoverished houses. Their living environment is marked by extreme poverty, a lack of civic facilities, insufficient healthcare, limited awareness, and compromised safety. Underprivileged orphans face educational deprivation, with only a fortunate few having access to education. The majority are at risk of dropping out due to a lack of proper care and guidance. This deprivation pushes many into a poverty trap, leaving them with little hope for a better life. Poverty often compels them to join the child labor force, engaging in hazardous jobs at an early age. Ignorance and poverty can also lead to involvement in petty crime, violence, and drug addiction.

The lack of healthcare makes these poverty-stricken orphans vulnerable to various life-threatening diseases, potentially causing permanent damage to their health and psychological stress. Many orphans feel sad and depressed due to their stay in orphanages and parental bereavement, while others suffer from mental depression and illness.

Malnutrition is prevalent among orphan children, as their families cannot afford nutritious food on their low or limited income. Malnutrition can lead to life-threatening diseases, resulting in a cursed life or premature death. Vulnerable orphan children are more likely to be subjected to abuse, neglect, and exploitation due to a lack of knowledge and consciousness. Child protection mechanisms in Bangladesh aim to prevent and respond to all forms of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence against children.

Addressing these challenges is essential to provide opportunities for a balanced growth of orphans at risk. Zamzam Bangladesh plans to implement relevant activities to mitigate these problems.

“Indeed, The Men Who Practice Charity And The Women Who Practice Charity And [They Who] Have Loaned Allah A Goodly Loan – It Will Be Multiplied For Them, And They Will Have A Noble Reward.”

AL-QUR’AN – 57:18

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Operational Office

ZAMZAM TOWER
House # 52, Block – C
Kumarpara, Sylhet