Have you ever noticed?

Have you ever noticed that we don't generally use the terms, orphans or widows? Likely no, you haven't. It's a small detail that is easy to miss. Now, however, you're not going to be able to unsee it. Now, you'll notice that we often say 'orphaned child' or 'widowed woman.' Mostly, you'll see that we say 'kiddos' or 'foster moms' instead, and there are several reasons why.

Reason 1: Words Matter.

Here at GOF, we think words matter, and we know the impact that they can have on children and their sense of self-worth. When people use the term 'orphans' or 'widows,' they identify someone based on a negative. In these cases, the negative is painful, filled with trauma, and significantly lowers their social status.

Reason 2: People are more than what has happened to them.

Orphaned children, including the kiddos we love to watch grow up in Bolingo, are more than what has happened to them. Our powerhouse foster moms, who have raised almost 150 kids personally and professionally, are so much more than this painful and loss-filled detail of their life. Can you imagine if your identity and social standing were solely based on the most horrific part of your life? As if this thing was your most identifiable characteristic. Imagine not being known for your sense of humor, scholastic aptitude, or work ethic - but just for your parents not raising you. 

Reason 3: We are their family and their home.

Bolingo Village is their family - their status as an 'orphan' is gone when they enter the gates. They have a foster mom, they have aunties, they have siblings and cousins, and friends. These are not things that they are expected to have when people label them as orphaned children. 

Obviously, no one can instantly heal the hurt and trauma caused by losing biological parents; we don't pretend to. As a part of our programming, we offer regular counseling to help them work through their grief and empower them to move forward in their own time as a beloved member of the GOF family.