Globally, 14% of children and adolescents experience mental health disorders (1). Orphaned and destitute children are disproportionately impacted. And yet, there is hope.  Child-centered support and quality care can provide pathways to healing and resilience.

Children of the Nations (COTN) works in 5 countries, providing children with the social and emotional care they need and deserve.

As the Social Care Specialist for Children of the Nations International, I’m excited to cheer along the in-country staff as they work toward our social care end result: to raise emotionally healthy children who can integrate their past experiences into their lives, maintain connections with their communities, achieve lasting and meaningful relationships, and thrive in school and in the workplace.

My time around the globe and with refugee populations in the United States has shown me first-hand the importance of prioritizing emotional and social wellbeing so children can flourish as resilient members of their communities. From my first ever social work internship in Uganda to learning about the work done by COTN, I am inspired by the commitment of caretakers and social workers to find innovative solutions for children.

Though many of us are weary and burdened from the weight of our past and present, may we find rest for our souls from the One who is gentle and humble in heart; the One who sees us. 

Will you join our efforts as we seek to provide social and emotional support for the children of Sierra Leone, Malawi, Uganda, Dominican Republic, and Haiti?

1. SOURCE: UNICEF analysis based on estimates from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), Global Burden of Disease Study, 2019 as presented in the State of the World’s Children Report 2021.