Reducing Risks for Teen Orphans in Uganda
When children in sponsorship programs grow up, their sponsorship eventually ends. This is called "aging out." Young adults aging out of sponsorship programs are at great risk. Research shows these young adults, who lack a support system for transitioning to adulthood, are significantly more vulnerable to dangers such as HIV, prostitution, depression, suicide, alcohol and drug abuse, malnutrition, and death. Struggles for food and housing reduce their ability to complete their education. Lack of education, training, and adult mentorship reduces their employment opportunities. Unemployment impacts their ability to support themselves.
Why On Belay
Just as a rock climber is supported by being on belay with a teammate who holds his climbing rope from below, On Belay Ministries provides support to young Ugandans as they age out of orphanage care. As these teens and young adults climb toward independent adulthood, we partner with them and support them in the effort.
Our Mission
We come along side with financial support, local mentoring and accountability, and spiritual guidance as these young adults leave their childhood sponsorships and move into post secondary education, careers, and independent adulthood.
By providing a Christ-centered “landing place” for post-secondary and university students, these vulnerable children receive mentoring and encouragement as they learn to make good life choices. Our projects encourage our kids to complete their schooling, develop life skills for independent adulthood, and learn job skills that will allow them to become happy, healthy community contributors for the rest of their lives.
