Olivia is a smiley and playful 6-year-old. But for two years she grew up in a lonely orphanage.

Olivia’s mother died when she was a baby. Her father and grandmother did their best to care for her but struggled to send her to school. With the promise of free education, Olivia was put in an orphanage when she was four years old.

For two years, Olivia grew up alone. She missed her grandmother and brothers and sister. The orphanage only fed her cornmeal and beans. She was often hungry.

Last year, the local authorities closed Olivia’s orphanage. They referred her to us, and we helped to reunite Olivia with her grandmother and siblings.

With the loving care of a family, Olivia’s life is transforming.

Once a scared child, Olivia is blossoming into an outgoing and happy girl. She loves playing with her brothers and sister and is learning how to do new things, like helping to wash the dishes. Her grandmother says, “she really missed out on a lot in the orphanage.”

With your help and the support of a child sponsor, Olivia is going to kindergarten in her community. She is receiving medical care and her family is receiving much needed support, including a family business and regular social work visits.

When asked how she feels about being home Olivia says simply, ”I feel happy because my grandmother loves me.”