We are starting a series of interviews with orphan care workers from all different types of contexts to help you understand this big and complex issue of caring for orphans. We have chosen many different people and asked them all the same questions. We will be sharing their responses with you and we hope it helps give you a better understanding of orphan care.
We are starting with Gary Ifft.
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| From L to R: Solomon Negash, Kedir, Peggy Ifft, Gary Ifft, & Temesgen Obsa |
1.
In what context are you involved with orphan
care?
Here in Ziway and Adami Tulu, Ethiopia, we are operating
schools on three campuses.
Contrary to
most schools around the world which prefer the smartest and most able to pay,
we give priority to orphans and vulnerable children.
Many times, the number of orphaned and
vulnerable applicants fills the entire enrolling class, leaving little room for
those we would normally desire to select.
In addition, we have a home for vulnerable children, named
Samuel’s Home, where we are raising ten kids in a family environment, with a
real mom and dad.
All ten children came
to us from very dire circumstances, but now are interacting as normal brothers
and sisters, going to school, going to church, and participating in other
normal child activities.
2.
In your current context, what do you see as the
biggest need?
Always, the highest priority item we need is prayer—prayer
for wisdom for us and all those who impact the children’s lives.
That means the Samuel’s Home parents, the
school teachers and administrators, and everyone who influences a child in any
way.
3.
What is one thing that you wish other people
would know about orphan care?
We often see that many people feel the only way to solve the
“orphan crisis” is to adopt a child from a developing country.
We wish people would understand that much of
the time the better solution is to provide the orphans and vulnerable children
a chance to succeed in their own country.
There they are familiar with the language, the culture, the food,
etc.
They fit in naturally.
By educating, encouraging, and nurturing
them, they can grow up to be the scientists, engineers, nurses, entrepreneurs,
etc. that can improve their country of birth, as well as themselves.
4.
What is one resource you would recommend and why
would you recommend it?
This is not meant to be a flippant answer, but the best
resource for dealing with the orphaned and underprivileged is the Bible.
It gives many teachings as to how to deal
with the less fortunate segments of society.
If responsible persons in all countries and cultures were to follow the
Scriptural guidelines, these types of problems would be greatly diminished.
5.
What advice would you have for Village to
Village Intl. as we seek we seek to make a difference in the lives of
children?
As your ministry expands to encompass more children, more
countries, and more caregivers, be sure you really know who you are dealing
with.
It’s hard work, but the time spent
on research and referrals is worth it.
There are a lot of less-than-honest people out there who want to partner
with Westerners only to enrich themselves.
One thing that we all like to do is have fun. I am so glad that we have the opportunity to enjoy the things of life. That is why we are going to have another dodgeball tournament. It was so much fun last time that we just had to do it again. This time it will be on March 22, at 2 p.m. in Elkhart, Indiana. We are so grateful for the Elkhart Youth & Community Center and their willingness to host our event at their facility.
