Based on the winter 2009 magazine issue.

Take this child…
Look up Exodus 22:22-24 and Deuteronomy 24:17-22. In your own words, state what they say about the treatment of orphans.
How can we follow the commands given in these texts in today’s world? Come up with some practical ideas.

True Friends Rejoice
How did the people celebrate the opening of the True Friends Orphan Care multi-purpose building?
Why was the completion of the building such a cause for celebration?
What does the Basic Sponsorship Program allow the orphanage to supply?

Partnering with Word & Deed
Does Word & Deed give simple donations of funds to needy organizations?
How does Word & Deed keep track of the projects it supports?
What is “Partner Development”? Why is it a particularly good model for aid projects?
After carefully reading the section “How does the application process work?” list the characteristics of a successful Word & Deed applicant.

Sponsor Child Testimonies
Compassion Face to Face

What similar elements about the children's experiences do all five testimonies share?
When someone grows up in a bad situation, their future children most often grow up in the same situation, whether that means poverty, abuse, or addiction. This repeat of circumstances is called a cycle. How is CDA “breaking the cycle” for the children in its care?


Current Events

Malawi and Inflation

At press time, one of Malawi’s headlines was that the inflation rate had inched downward. So, why is that big news?

First, what’s inflation? It is a measure of the increase in prices across the economy for a period of time. Why does it matter? Well, if a family’s income stays the same, but prices increase, they cannot buy as much. Considering that Malawians spend about half of their income on food, lowering inflation matters a lot. (To put that in perspective, ask your parents what percentage of the family income is spent on food.) High inflation also makes it more difficult for families, businesses and governments to plan for the future. Consider what it does to the ability of orphanages and other aid organizations to help the country’s most vulnerable people.

In October, Malawi’s headline inflation had slowed to 7.5 percent as food inflation continued to ease. According to the United Nations, Malawi’s government has been doing a good job in trying to reduce food inflation. Still, compare Malawi’s inflation rate to Canada’s, which has hovered around 2 % for several years (and is currently about 1.5%).

(Sources were found here at Statistics Canada, Bank of Canada, and Nyasa Times)

Orphans Worldwide

When children lose their parents, they lose their major source of protection. Consider the following numbers:

- an estimated 143 million children worldwide are orphaned by one or both parents
- in 12 African countries, projections show that orphans will comprise at least 15 percent of all children under 15 years of age by 2010
- In Russia, the annual number of ‘children left without parental care’ has more than doubled over the last 10 years, despite falling birth rates
(source found at: Unite for Children)

Not all these orphans are cared for. Statistics about how many are in foster care or orphanages are unavailable.

Try to imagine living in a developing country as an orphan outside an orphanage. What dangers would you face without the protection of your parents? How might the future be different for you than for a child with parents? If you need some help, check out these sites Unite for Children or World Bank.