Notes from the Field: October 2024

Recent program updates from Holt-supported family strengthening and orphan care programs around the world!

China

In early September, Holt received word from the U.S. Department of State that China had decided to officially end its international adoption program. We are heartbroken for the many matched children and families who have been waiting to unite since the Chinese government suspended all adoption processing at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic — and for all the children who will be left to grow up in orphanages because of this decision.

In response to China’s ruling, Holt recently sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, urging him to raise to the highest levels of the Chinese government the plight of children waiting to be united with their adoptive American families. 

Over the past 32 years, Holt has helped more than 7,700 children from China join loving, permanent families in the U.S. Moving forward, we will continue to provide in-country programs and services for orphaned and vulnerable children in China.

Because we know you share our belief that every child should have a family, we humbly ask you to join us in advocating for children in China. Please contact your U.S. representative and senators today and urge them to encourage the U.S. Department of State to ask China for clarity on in-process adoptions and to resume international adoption.

This action tool on the National Council for Adoption’s website will quickly allow you to send personal messages to all three Congressional offices.

In both emails or calls to your senators and representative:

• Tell them you are a constituent and let them know if this issue impacts your family directly.
• Request that Congress and the Administration advocate at the highest levels of the U.S. government on behalf of the children in China waiting to join families in the U.S.
• Personalize your message and your individual situation (adoptive family, extended family, friend, advocate, etc.).  
• Thank them for their interest and support, and let them know you look forward to their response.

Please also encourage your family and friends to contact their senators and representative using the above instructions.

Over the past 32 years, Holt has helped more than 7,700 children from China join loving, permanent families in the U.S. In more recent years, Holt’s China team has helped find loving families for many children with medical, developmental, cognitive or emotional disabilities or special needs. 

Moving forward, we will continue to provide in-country programs and services for orphaned and vulnerable children — improving the quality of care children receive in orphanages and group homes, and providing support and resources to strengthen families that might otherwise separate under the strains of poverty. 

Our two other adoption programs in the region — Hong Kong and Taiwan — continue to move forward with uniting children and families through international adoption.

Ethiopia

Malaria has long been a major health issue in southern Ethiopia’s Kembata-Tembaro zone, where Holt has been serving children and families since 2008. In September, Holt Ethiopia collaborated with local government officials to conduct a third campaign to mobilize health workers and facilitate community-level treatment and awareness initiatives.

Holt Ethiopia also provided the Shinshicho Mother and Child Hospital with additional mattresses and beds for both children and adults, due to an increase in need. The Mother and Child Hospital opened in 2015, with the generous support of Holt donors. Today, the health center provides a wide range of medical services to more than 400 patients a day in the impoverished Kembata-Tembaro rural region.

India

Each year, on August 15, people across India celebrate Independence Day to commemorate the day in 1947 when the nation gained its freedom from British rule. This year, children at all of Holt’s partnering childcare centers observed the day with patriotism and pride. Dressed in clothing bearing the colors of the national flag (saffron, green and white), the children gave speeches honoring the spirit of freedom and unity and performed patriotic songs and dances. The program was followed by a special lunch, displaying foods in the colors of the Indian flag. The day’s activities were generously supported by Holt donors and sponsors.

Philippines

In late July, the heavy rains and winds of Typhoon Gaemi caused widespread flooding throughout Manila, and especially in the impoverished communities where children and families in Holt-supported programs live.

In response, Holt organized a fundraising campaign to help families affected by the flooding and devastation. And thanks to the generosity of Holt donors, our partner agency in the Philippines, Kaisahang Buhay Foundation (KBF), was able to quickly distribute emergency relief packages to 437 children and their parents sheltered in evacuation centers. Each relief package contained rice, canned goods, crackers, chewable vitamin C, rubbing alcohol, a bath towel, a woven mat and pillow. The items were carefully selected to keep children from going hungry, and to keep them healthy amidst the damp and unhygienic conditions in their post-flood homes and neighborhoods.

Glady Bunao, the executive director of KBF, thanked Holt donors on behalf of families in the Philippines. In a letter she wrote, “During the distribution of your support to the children and families, they expressed their deepest appreciation to Holt donors for this material support. Many of them said that they can now comfortably sleep at night because they have dry pillows, blankets and sleeping mats. They are so thankful for the medicines, food and liquid sanitizers/alcohol. They would like KBF to extend their gratitude.”

Uganda

World Breastfeeding Week is held the first week of every August and is supported by the World Health Organization, UNICEF and the ministries of health in more than 120 participating countries. This year’s theme was “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All.”

Breast milk has been known to protect babies and young children against illnesses such as diarrhea, ear and chest infections, and other serious health problems. Educating parents about the benefits of breastfeeding is particularly important in a country like Uganda, where more than 20% of people live in chronic poverty, and one third of children under age 5 are stunted due to poor nutrition.

During this year’s World Breastfeeding Week, Holt Uganda spearheaded activities in its target communities, kicking off with opening ceremonies that drew 668 pregnant, lactating and breastfeeding mothers and 157 fathers. In central Uganda’s Luwero district, Holt Uganda held a separate “breastfeeding camp” that reached more than 350 mothers. Holt staff disseminated brochures at the event and offered presentations on breastfeeding, family planning services and healthy meal preparation.