For as long as I remember, I have wanted to adopt a child. Each time I see displaced children on the streets begging, my heart breaks. I sometimes wish I could just bring all of them home and care for them, give their lives a better meaning. I hear the adoption process can be quite strenuous and long-winded so it’s understandable if this is a path not many will take. But if you have a heart that longs to parent kids you did not biologically have, there are other ways you can care for a child. Here are a few below:

Support a charity
There are a number of charities that provide basic amenities for disadvantaged children. Some provide books, education, food etc and you can support with as little as five thousand Naira. Many of these charities lack funding and need all the help they can get so your little ‘change’ would go along way. You can also ‘adopt’ a child, in this case, take on one particular child who will be the sole recipient of your donations. Believe me, it’s a great joy to see the child grow and blossom over time under your care.

Empower the help
Empower the girl or even boy you have at home helping with domestic chores. It’s more than just bringing them from the village and feeding them. Ideally, they shouldn’t go back the same way they came. Send them to school or pay for them to learn a vocation. Sometimes we fear they will outgrow us, but that is a good thing. Then you can bring another from the village and empower them. Yes, it’s not always this straightforward but it is something to consider.

Pay school fees for a season
Pick a child and offer to pay their fees for as long as you’re able. You may ask, how do I just randomly pick a child but if you’re really looking, you’ll find that these opportunities are everywhere. If you can’t afford it alone, you could also ask others to contribute as well. There was a lady I used to buy food from next to my office. As time passed my colleagues and I realised her little son was bringing the food unlike before when it was just her. And this recurred even after the school holidays were over. So we asked her why he wasn’t back in school, discovered she was facing financial challenges. Her husband was dead and she was in danger of being evicted from her home. Together we contributed towards her rent and paid her son’s fees.

Children really are the future but they can only excel so far based on the tools they’re given. Nowadays the opportunities to care for a child and empower them are countless, so make the decision today if you want to.