Time on your hands? Orphans could use your support this summer

By Tobey Roos

May 5, 2005 | As summer fast approaches, many students are finalizing summer plans, whether they be work, play, or (heaven forbid) more school. Many students would like to spend the summer traveling, experiencing another culture, and participating in service. If you are looking for this kind of opportunity, than the Orphanage Support Services Organization is a program you will want to get involved in.

The Orphanage Support Services Organization commonly referred to as OSSO, is a program started by Dr. Rex Head and his wife Melodie. The Heads are Rexburg, Idaho natives who have spent many years, serving in third world country orphanages with their family.

In the mid nineties the couple recognized that there were many caring individuals who wanted to help in the orphanages. They designed the OSSO program as a way to provide orphanages with needed staff help, while giving volunteers the chance to serve and experience the life changing effects of working in the orphanages.

The OSSO mission statement is, "to do everything possible to help children living in orphanages and similar institutions to reach their full potential."

The organization sends volunteers to one of two Ecuador cities, Cuenca or Quito. Here the burdens of poverty are eye-opening, according to UNICEF, 70 percent of the children in Ecuador live in poverty. UNICEF also reports that seven out of ten children under the age of one are anemic.

"(Orphaned) children come from circumstances of abuse, neglect and poverty. For many, the orphanages offer their only real chance," said Dr. Head. He describes the orphaned children as seemingly happy, yet underneath they are searching for hope, acceptance and love.

"The orphanage staff does their best with what little resources they have," said Dr. Head, "yet these children struggle with feelings of worthlessness and rejection."

Volunteers can help to meet some of the basic needs of the orphans by giving them attention. Because orphanages are understaffed, children often do not get adequate attention, creating a great need for volunteers to donate their time and serve. OSSO volunteers have the opportunity to work in several orphanages with children of all ages and abilities.

In order to qualify as a volunteer, individuals must be at least 18 years old, pass a background check and complete an application providing five personal references. Once accepted volunteers travel to Ecuador where they stay with host families or in other top tier living arrangements. They spend three months or more working directly with the children in the orphanages.

Some facilities are termed "baby orphanages," here the children range in age from two days old to five years old. In these orphanages it is common to only have a few nuns taking care of over 20 infants and toddlers. Because of this adult to child ratio it is critical that volunteers spend time playing and interacting with the children, helping them develop physically and mentally.

In the institutions for older orphans volunteers have the opportunity to teach classes and plan activities. Classes include music, typing, English and other skills the volunteers would like to teach. Often volunteers will play sports with the children and plan parties, providing opportunities to have fun and develop good social skills.

While not working in the orphanages, OSSO organizes outings and field trips which the volunteers can choose to participate in. One such trip is an excursion through the Amazon. Volunteers are encouraged to spend time traveling and experiencing the rich culture of Latin America.

What began as a service opportunity for the Head family has grown into a program benefiting thousands of orphan children and volunteers each year. The program is continually growing. As of this year a new program is beginning in San Carlos, Mexico.

Although there are many who would like to serve but do not have the time or flexibility to do so, volunteering is not the only way to help out. There are many ways to get involved. Often there are individuals who have the time to serve but do not have the monetary means to do so, you could choose to sponsor such individual. Also, any material or monetary contributions are greatly appreciated and can be sent to the OSSO headquarters in Rexburg, Idaho. If you would like more information visit the OSSO website.

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