Georgette Mulheir on the Need to End Orphanages

In the recent past, there has been disturbing news coverage such as the fire tragedy that killed more than 40 girls in Guatemala and children starving in an orphanage in Belarus. Georgette Mulheir notes that the critical question people need to ask themselves is why millions of people live in orphanages while families can raise them. Different community-based organizations such as the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) strive to ensure that children don’t end up in orphanages. At the same time, they help over 8 million kids in orphanages realize their dream of having a family. Georgette Mulheir points out that the organization is looking to transform the child care system in different countries. This way, kids can get the support they desire to stay with their community and family instead of being in an uncaring institution.

This proposal has ended up being among the semi-finalists at a competition run by Catherine T and John D. The winner of the competition will secure a $100 million grant, which will help solve some of our time’s crucial issues. Georgette Mulheir acknowledges that orphanages differ in quality, care and size, and not all of them have a bad reputation like those who have made headlines. Georgette Mulheir reiterates that a child loses a month of development every three months at an institution. He believes that when such kids are old enough to live independently, they aren’t prepared to live independently, leading to homelessness, exploitation, and unemployment, resulting in long-term societal costs.

About Georgette Mulheir

Georgette Mulheir is a renowned global strategic advisor who has worked in over thirty countries. These leading programs have significantly transformed the lives of thousands of disadvantaged children around the world. She is even championed for her “deinstitutionalization” model that helps governments worldwide return children from institutions to their families.