Unveiling the Plight of Orphans: An Exclusive Interview on “Children of the sun”

“Did you know that children in institutional care often face systemic vulnerabilities that profoundly impact their growth and future prospects?” This thought-provoking question sets the stage for our conversation with Dr. Layla Hassan, a leading expert in child welfare and institutional care, to delve into the powerful themes explored in the Ramadan series, “Children of the Sun.”

Senior Editor (SE): Dr. Hassan, the series “children of the Sun” poignantly portrays the lives of orphans within an orphanage setting. What are some of the key challenges faced by children in institutional care globally?

Dr. Hassan (DH): The challenges faced by children in institutional care are multifaceted and unfortunately, far too common. One important challenge is the lack of individualized attention. these children often lack the consistent nurturing and emotional support crucial for healthy development. They may experience a deficit in the parent-child bond that’s fundamental to their sense of security and identity. Further compounding the challenges is the risk of physical and emotional abuse or neglect, which can have devastating long-term consequences on their mental and physical well-being.This neglect can manifest not only through overt acts of abuse but also by the lack of sufficient educational and developmental opportunities, causing issues such as educational underachievement and lack of social skills. We also see a disproportionate number of children in institutional care falling into the cycle of poverty and crime, a cycle made worse by the aforementioned challenges.

SE: The series highlights exploitation within the orphanage. How prevalent is this issue, and what are its consequences?

DH: Sadly, exploitation within orphanages is a grim reality in many parts of the world. This can take various forms, including physical abuse, emotional manipulation, sexual abuse, and forced labour. Children in these vulnerable environments are often at the mercy of those entrusted with their care, making them susceptible to this exploitation. The psychological impact of such abuse is frequently enough severe, leading to trauma, depression, anxiety, and attachment disorders.These long-term consequences extend to adulthood with problems such as social difficulties, substance abuse, and mental health issues.

SE: “Children of the Sun” emphasizes that even after reaching the legal age, some orphans remain in the orphanage. Why is this, and what are the underlying systemic issues?

DH: There are several reasons why some young people choose to remain in institutional care even after reaching the legal age of independence. The absence of a supporting family structure and the lack of adequate life skills to navigate life after the orphanage contribute to young adults choosing to remain in the institution. This can stem from the limitations in access to education and vocational training, which further weakens their ability to be self-sufficient. Additionally, the children might feel more secure in the familiarity of the surroundings rather than to venture out on their own. The fact that they might not feel capable, or fear navigating the real world explains the perpetuation of the cycle and showcases the critical role education and life skills training play in the triumphant transition out of institutional care. This highlights the inadequacy of systemic support and highlights the importance of support networks that bridge the gap after the children leave.

SE: What steps can be taken to improve the lives of children in institutional care and prevent exploitation?

DH: Addressing this issue requires a multi-pronged approach. We need stronger regulatory oversight, ensuring that orphanages adhere to high standards of ethical conduct and child safety. This oversight needs to be complemented by robust mechanisms for reporting and investigating allegations of exploitation. Moreover, robust investment in preventative measures such as family preservation programs and community-based support systems is essential. These community-based programs can help keep families together, preventing the need for institutional care in many cases. there’s a need for complete programs that provide life skills training, education, and vocational skills to help these young people transition successfully into adulthood. This includes psychosocial support services to help them address any trauma or mental health challenges.

SE: What are your hopes for the impact of “Children of the Sun”?

DH: My hope is that “Children of the Sun” will spark a much-needed dialog and raise awareness about the plight of orphaned and vulnerable children.The show holds the power to engage viewers emotionally, prompting them to advocate for improved child welfare practices and policies that provide a better system to uplift these children and foster supportive environments. Ultimately,it should encourage action towards creating a system more supportive of these children who face extraordinary challenges.

SE: Thank you, Dr. Hassan, for sharing your insightful expertise. This has been incredibly informative.

Closing Statement: The plight of orphans within the global institutional care system needs continued attention and action.”Children of the Sun” offers a compelling starting point for broader conversations on this critical issue. Share your thoughts – what steps do you believe are needed to improve the lives of vulnerable children living in orphanages? Let’s discuss in the comments section below!