World Orphan Week: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about World Orphan Week (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. World Orphan Week is observed on March 5th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of World Orphan Week, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as important facts you might want to know about World Orphan Week.

📅 What day is World Orphan Week 2024?

In 2024, World Orphan Week is on Sunday, March 5th. It is the 1st Sunday in March; in 2024, it is Tuesday. There are until the next observance. You also can discover all the cool details and facts about March 5, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

World Orphan Week takes place every year in the first week of March, specifically from March 5 to 11 this year. It is a global event dedicated to bringing attention to the plight of orphaned and abandoned children. Surprisingly, over 80% of children residing in orphanages worldwide actually have at least one living parent. The main reason they end up in orphanages is because their parents lack the financial means to care for them and are forced to abandon them. The purpose of this week is to change the narratives of these orphans and make a real difference in the world.

📜 World Orphan Week History

In 1949, Hermann Gmeiner, an Austrian medical student, founded the SOS Children’s Villages organization. After witnessing the suffering and hardships of orphaned and abandoned children following World War II, Hermann was moved to help. He established the SOS Children’s Village organization, which has become the largest charity organization for orphaned children worldwide. This organization, along with its affiliates in 125 countries, is dedicated to providing abandoned children with homes, families, education, and medical care.

Currently, there are more than 153 million orphaned children globally, and many others are struggling to meet their basic needs like food, shelter, and clothing. World Orphan Week aims to shed light on these challenges and share the facts to inspire people around the world to join the fight for the well-being of orphaned children. By working together, we can make a positive impact and make a difference in the world.

✅ World Orphan Week Facts

🔖 Orphanages can lead to developmental delays
Children who spend a long time living in orphanages might face challenges when it comes to developing their social skills.

🔖 Orphanage numbers are increasing
The global population of orphans, specifically in Asia, is increasing.

🔖 Poverty is the main culprit
The primary reason why children end up in orphanages around the world is poverty, rather than the loss of their parents.

👍 Why Is World Orphan Week Important

The goal of World Orphan Day is to raise donations to assist orphaned children. But, more significantly, it is about informing the world about the lives of these children who are raised without a family.

Although practically everyone has a sensitive spot for orphaned children, we rarely take action because we don’t know how to aid them. World Orphan Week raises awareness about orphaned children and demonstrates how we can assist them.

You may be paving the way for a brighter future for these children in need by giving to and working for their welfare. You are assisting not just a kid but also a whole community.

🙂 How To Observe World Orphan Week

⚡ Share your story

⚡ Donate to the cause
To celebrate World Orphan Day, one of the best actions you can take is to support SOS Children’s Villages or any other organization that focuses on the well-being and growth of orphaned children. It’s even more impactful if you continue to contribute and donate throughout the entire year.

⚡ Raise awareness in your locale
If you or someone you know has been abandoned at an early age, you can share their experience on social media. Inform others about the difficulties that orphaned children endure.

📅 When is World Orphan Week?

You can view all 🔗 March holidays, including 🔗 Cause and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and cool facts about World Orphan Week. So be sure to check back soon.