Children who are placed in orphanages usually go through many more difficulties than their peers. As well as the emotional challenges associated with being separated from their families, children in institutional care often lack support and struggle in school. Despite these challenges, most children do their utmost best to work hard and create a good future for themselves. Here is the story of one such young man.
Before his father died, Jacob lived with his family in a small town. When he was in Grade 1, his father passed away, and the rest of his family moved away to a small village to be closer to their relatives. These relatives were generous and helped Jacob’s family to build a new house.
Two years later, Jacob’s mother remarried, and left the village. Jacob’s new step-dad decided to send Jacob and his older brother to an orphanage in Yangon, and kept Jacob’s younger siblings at home. But the following year, Jacob’s younger brother was also sent to live in the orphanage. The orphanage director couldn’t take him in because the home was full, and so Jacob’s little brother ended up getting sent to another orphanage. Sadly siblings are often split up when sent to orphanages, and this can happen for a variety of reasons.
Jacob was a very musically talented child. At the orphanage, he spent a lot of time practising guitar, drums and keyboard. Guitar was his favourite! He was involved in the music team and dreamt of leading a band. Our social workers encouraged him to try hard, and work towards his dream career in music, so that he could gain his independence and not rely on the orphanage indefinitely. Jacob realised that his independence was important, and after grade 10, he created his own band; left the orphanage, and moved in with a friend.
Away from the orphanage, Jacob thrived. He enjoyed playing music at events and hotels, and even started recording some music. He put his best effort into everything he did, and people loved his music!
Sadly, due to Covid-19, Jacob’s music gigs in 2020 have been cancelled, and he has had to move back into the orphanage temporarily. This issue of care-leavers relying on the orphanage after they leave is not uncommon. In a normal family unit, care takers usually provide support to their children even after they turn 18 and leave home. The continuation of support is important while young people are gaining their independence, especially when difficult situations happen, as we have seen this year.
While Jacob sleeps at the orphanage, he has been able to make some money despite the pandemic, through recording music and tutoring. He is able to eat outside the orphanage, and have some level of independence, which he plans to build on. Once the difficulties of the pandemic have eased, Jacob should have no problem in leaving the orphanage completely and living independently.
Jacob is an amazing and talented young man and we are so proud of how he has overcome many challenges and how he is progressing in the music industry. We are excited for his future, and to see him continue his journey to full independence.