Hogar de Gina: First Visit
- Jun 26, 2017
- 2 min read
Learning Objectives: Ethical Choices & Actions, Awareness of Global Issues
During my first visit to Hogar de Gina, an independent all girls orphanage located on the outskirts of Lima, I was forced to reflect on wider global issues. I was extremely surprised to see how happy many of these girls were, even without a proper family. They were simple happy to have other girls to talk to, a roof over their heads, and a wonderful care taker that looked over them. Usually, orphanages ran by the state tend to be brutal, especially on young girls, many of them who could be victims of discrimination and abuse. The system completely ignores their needs, and an obvious need for a parental figure is prominent among these young girls. The orphanage receives donations from sponsors, and much of the money is then spent on necessary items like working water tanks, food, and proper living conditions, leaving little for pleasurable activities.
A fter my first visit, I realized just how important it is to spend time with these girls. Many of them have been abandoned by their fathers due to the fact that they simply cannot afford to take care of them. These parents choose to keep the male siblings, those who they believe will be able to provide financially, leaving their young daughters in the care of the orphanage. Interacting with these girls helped me understand the systematic misogyny within the foster care system in Peru, a global issue very prominent around the world. Young girls are dropped by their families simply because they are women, thus leaving them vulnerable to abuse by the system. Thankfully, Hogar de Gina has no affiliation to the Peruvian government, and provides a loving, and caring environment for all of these girls to thrive in.
We spent the entire morning playing ball games and tag, which ended with a face painting activity. It was important to act ethically and choose a path of kindness when it comes to these girls, making sure they understood that they are loved, even if it's just for a while. They would tend to get attached to you, like a little lost puppy following you around. Overall, I had a wonderful experience. These girls are just happy to be in your company, even if it's just telling jokes, and playing ball. I'm sad I was only able to attend twice this semester, but extremely happy I'll be able to participate more often this upcoming year!
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