Orphanages Struggle to Survive

The management of orphanages face various operational challenges. They must be creative so that the life needs of foster children are still met.

KOMPAS/RIZA FATHONI

Children at the Kampung Melayu Orphanage, Jakarta, take the time off by watching television together, Sunday (10/30/2022). The orphanage is inhabited by 22 children and bears the school fees of 52 children from around the orphanage area.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS – Currently, a number of orphanages or child social welfare institutions (LKSA) are struggling to survive on limited finances following a decline in community assistance and donors during the Covid-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, the government is requiring orphanages to improve the quality and national standards of child care.

In recent years, a number of orphanages have started running business units to meet their monthly operational needs. Some have opened businesses selling food and beverages, including basic necessities. Some orphanages have encouraged their foster children to progress and excel in school and develop their sports and artistic abilities.