RW Supply + Design’s mission is that we exist UNTIL EVERY CHILD IS HOME. When children grow up in orphanages, they reach an age at which the orphanage no longer has a responsibility to care for them. This is called “aging out.”
Similar to the statistics of children aging out of the United States’ foster care system, the statistics are grim for children aging out of orphanages in Southeast Asia. They are unprepared to function alone in the world, and they run the risk of trafficking, crime, imprisonment, and death.
However, Asia’s Hope views each child in their care as part of the Asia’s Hope family. They help them transition into adulthood and pursue their dreams. We believe this transition is crucial and one of the best parts of their program. Because of this commitment, Asia’s Hope’s kids, like Sothul, are able to break generational cycles of trauma, abandonment, and poverty.
“Sothul’s mother died and his father abandoned him. He and his brother went to live with a grandmother who died shortly thereafter. He had no stable housing, insufficient food and no chance to get a good education. An aunt brought him and his brother to Asia’s Hope. They grew up together at our Prek Eng 2 Home.
Sothul graduated university with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He is now living in Korea, pursuing a Masters degree. He hopes to attain a PhD as well.
It costs an average of just $2,500 a year to provide a university scholarship for students like Sothul: deserving kids who have worked hard, overcome the odds, and have been accepted into college.“
