As the world increasingly shifts toward family-based care for vulnerable children, one question I often receive as a child welfare advocate and educator is this:
“Is it still right to donate to orphanages, Should We Still Donate to Orphanages?”
It’s a deeply important and emotionally charged question. On one hand, people genuinely want to help. On the other hand, many are beginning to understand the global movement away from institutional care and toward family-centered alternatives. So where does this leave us? Should we stop giving to orphanages altogether, or is there still a way to support children ethically and responsibly?
Let’s unpack both sides of this conversation with compassion and clarity.
The Case for Donating to Orphanages: “But the Children Must Eat”
This is the most common response I hear when people learn that orphanages are not the ideal solution for children.
And they are right—children must eat.
They must be clothed, educated, and cared for. It’s not the fault of the children that they find themselves in these institutions. Many of them are there due to poverty, family breakdown, stigma, or lack of community support. Until better systems are in place, children in institutions still need to survive.
From this perspective, people feel that refusing to donate is unfair and even harmful. After all, how do we say to a hungry child, “Sorry, we’re not funding your orphanage because it’s not the best model”?
This is a valid concern—and one that deserves thoughtful consideration.
The Other Side: Why Some Say “Stop Donating to Orphanages”
Globally, child welfare experts and organizations are advocating for a shift away from orphanages not because they want children to suffer—but because they want children to thrive.
Research shows that orphanages—no matter how well-funded—cannot provide the love, connection, and long-term developmental support that families offer. In many cases, the flow of donations to orphanages actually sustains a broken system, creating an incentive to keep children institutionalized rather than supporting their reintegration into families or communities.
Some even argue that well-meaning donations unintentionally prolong institutional care, making it harder for systems to transition to better models. That’s why some advocate for redirecting donations to family strengthening programs, community-based care, and social protection systems.
Their point is: If we stop donating to orphanages, the pressure will shift toward reintegration, reform, and real transformation.
But What About Birthday Celebrations at Orphanages?
Another hot topic is the increasing criticism of people who celebrate their birthdays or milestones at orphanages. While the intention is often pure—people want to give back on their special day—some argue that such practices are exploitative or reinforce the wrong message about charity and dignity.
Some say it creates a “savior” narrative or portrays children as objects of pity. But here’s the challenge: most critics of this practice offer no viable alternatives. They tell people what not to do, but provide little guidance on how to celebrate meaningfully while still supporting vulnerable children in a dignified and empowering way.
This gap in the conversation leaves well-meaning individuals confused and discouraged, and unfortunately, sometimes disengaged.
So, What’s the Right Thing to Do?
As with most complex issues, the answer lies in balance and intentionality.
Here’s what I believe:
Children must be cared for, no matter where they are. But our support must also contribute to long-term solutions—not just short-term relief.
If you want to help children in orphanages, consider these approaches:
• Donate wisely—to programs within institutions that are actively working on reintegration, family tracing, or providing transitional care.
• Support organizations that are moving toward family-based care, not those simply maintaining the status quo.
• Ask questions before donating:
• Are they working to reunite children with families?
• Are they offering family or community support services?
• What’s their exit plan for institutional care?
• Support community-based solutions like foster care programs, kinship care, parent empowerment, education access, and economic support for struggling families.
• Celebrate differently: Consider donating to family support programs, sponsoring a child’s education within a family setting, or organizing community-based events that empower caregivers.
This isn’t an “either/or” conversation. It’s a “both/and” reality.
Yes, children in orphanages need to eat today. But they also deserve a future beyond institutional walls. We can respond with compassion for their immediate needs while also supporting systemic change that ensures every child grows up in a safe, loving family.
Let’s keep giving—but let’s give strategically, responsibly, and with a long-term vision in mind. That’s how we care not just for the child today, but for generations to come.
What are your thoughts on this?
