Dear Future President,

Did you know that according to skywardjourney.com, there are an estimated 143 million orphans worldwide? Most orphans spend their entire childhood without a place to call home or getting adopted. According to The Washington Post orphanages are not a fun or safe place to be. There have been instances recorded where children bite their hands and gouge their eyes as a result of boredom. Crazy statistics like these can most often seem unnoticed and irrelevant to society.

I feel that not enough attention and awareness is put on this topic. Many orphanages are unlicensed, with little to no government oversight. I feel that the government should make this issue a priority to create more funding for orphanages throughout the United States. The money that is distributed should be invested in making the shelters more fun, clean, and supportive.

As a result of a higher funded environment, major changes in behavior from the children will be noticed. They will be happier, more determined, and have a better chance of being successful later on in life. Statistics on unicef.com, show that 60% of girls that grow up in an orphanage become prostitutes, and 70% of boys become hardened criminals. With this simple act of more funding, we can help to dramatically decrease these percentages.

In addition, staff quality is often low with orphanages in a high population. Young children that do not know yet how feed themselves, are sometimes left to starve because there is no one to feed them. The staff of an orphanage is the most key part of a successful program. The people that run the organization should be the ones pouring into the kids and giving them love that they may have never gotten before.

Personally, I grew up fortunate in a loving home with loving parents. I always had food on my table, a good education, and a place to call home. I can only imagine growing up without any of those things. That is why I want to do everything in my power to support them and try to give them a better life. So future president, this is where you come in. With the power that you have, you can help change these kids’ lives with simple organizations and foundations to give orphans a better standard of living and a higher quality of life.

Sincerely,

Jill, Grade 10