Finding a Way Home
July 2024
At just six years old, Julieth left the familiar warmth of her mother’s and grandmother’s care to live in an orphanage.
The decision wasn’t made out of neglect or lack of love; it was born of desperation. Julieth’s mother, faced with economic hardship, believed that sending her daughter to an orphanage would give her access to the education she couldn’t provide.
For the next 11 years, Julieth lived life as an orphan. But she wasn’t truly an orphan. Her mother and grandmother were alive and loved her deeply. This heartbreaking reality reflects a staggering truth:
80% of children in orphanages worldwide have at least one living parent or relative who could care for them if they had support.
In those 11 years, Julieth rarely saw her mother, only spending a few brief hours together on visitation days. Her grandmother, due to distance and her advanced age, couldn’t visit at all. The separation meant Julieth grew up without the everyday love, connection, and stability that only family can provide.
Julieth’s story underscores a widespread issue: many children in orphanages don’t need to be there. Most families, like Julieth’s, are not broken; they are struggling. They turn to orphanages not because they want to, but because they feel they have no other choice. Issues like lack of education or food—a small hurdle in the grand scheme of things—become insurmountable barriers, forcing families to make unimaginable sacrifices.
A Journey Back to Family
Recognizing this, Global Child Advocates in Tanzania began working with governments, welfare officers, and local organizations to reunite children with their families. One of those efforts led to Julieth’s case being assessed by Grace, a Welfare Officer from Kinondoni Municipal.
Grace discovered that Julieth’s mother was alive, stable, and desired to bring her daughter home. With GCA’s support, Julieth’s family was prepared to reunite and welcome her back with open arms.
The day of Julieth’s reunion was filled with anticipation and emotion. As Grace and GCA staff accompanied Julieth to her family home, they were greeted by tears of joy and heartfelt embraces. Julieth’s grandmother, who hadn’t seen her in over a decade, hugged her tightly and exclaimed, “It has been a while without seeing you, Julieth. Thank you so much for bringing her back home!”
Julieth, now 17, is not just home—she is thriving within her family. She plans to continue her education while living at home with her family, supported by the love and stability that will help her succeed.Magdalena thought Grace’s presence signaled that she would be taken back to the orphanage, and be separated from her family once again. We quickly reassured her that we were only there to follow up, encourage her parents, and to cheer them on.
Our Call to Action
Julieth’s story is one of hope, but it’s also a sobering reminder of the thousands of children still living in orphanages due to solvable problems like the need for education or experiencing food insecurity. These children don’t need institutions—they need families.
GCA Tanzania is committed to making family a reality for every child. By working with governments, local authorities, and communities, we are helping to create solutions that keep families together and prioritize family-based care for children.
As donors and advocates, you have the power to make more stories like Julieth’s possible. Together, we can help reunite children with their families, ensuring they grow up in environments where they are loved, supported, and given every opportunity to thrive.
Because no child should grow up away from the people who love them most. Let’s work together to make family a reality for every child. Your support makes this work possible. Together, we can bring children home to the people who love them most. Let’s give every child the chance to grow up surrounded by family.