Save the Children

Imagine all the children in orphanages across the globe. Orphaned, not necessarily biologically, their parents might still be alive. Although, we cannot save the world, those who adopt children (for the right reasons--- debateable) need to be commended for their efforts.

I think about adoption a lot because its what I would like to do. My reasons are simple, there are one too many orphans. With things like war, famine, and disease, all over the world, the number of orphans continue to rise. In Nairobi and other cities in Kenya, these orphans end up on the streets since there is no social structure to protect them. Some of them are abandoned by their poor parents.

I don't know if you have been to an orphanage, but they are terrible... imagine the worst boarding school.... and being there your whole life.

The best way, really, when adopting a child is by providing the best for them, as you would your own child. There are other factors to consider though. If you are a Kenyan living in Kenya, then adopting one of our own is a non-issue. A factor that someone considering adopting should think about is CULTURE and FAMILY. Also, if as an individual (foreigners especially) with great political power then it would make more sense to use this to support the communities and institutions which are taking care of these children.

So here's my beef.... with kina Angelina Jolie, and now I skia Madonna (claims she has vehemently denied) will be adopting an African kid. So what really is their drive? Its not like there are no white orphans here in the states.... white man's burden? moral obligations? to save the brown/black people? But I am sure they cant think that deep..... These are just vanity projects...... oh, poor africam child!! come on!! The important thing then is to look at the issues on why these children end up in orphanages. It is actually arrogant to think that by adopting, say an African child, one is alleviating poverty.

So if you are a Kenyan living in the US and want to adopt a child, even if black from Kenya... seriously think about the cultural consequences of bringing up your child in this country.

Hmm, a very contentious argument..... but please white america adopt your own. And if the standards here for adopting are too stringent, then something ought to be done about it!! We must also encourage peeps back home to think of adopting children, and treating them as one of them. Last count I heard, there are over 2000 adoption agencies in Kenya..... a money making business.... the baby market!! .... so there are issues here..... .

I was googling info on adoption agencies in Kenya, and came across this interesting article.

So let's take care of the children of the world..... And mostly because they are orphans we should think about the consequences of uprooting them from their homes. Apparently, this is a famous African quote... It takes a village to raise a child. How true! And raise them as our own, not as people who will owe you for the rest of their lives for rescuing them.