In 2004, UNICEF published some startling  statistics pertaining to  orphans.  Click below to read for yourselves.

Children on the Brink 2004 by Unicef

ORPHAN BOY © 1990
Betsy Meredith Hudgens

Open your eyes
Innocent child,
Into this world
You have been born.
Please ask me not
To explain
These faces
So forlorn.

Your tiny hands
Are free from blame.
Your precious skin
Is soft and pure.
Will you remain
So blameless?
No one knows
For sure.

Your baby ears
Have never heard
A sorrowful
Word of pain.
Chances are
This will change
Daily,
As does the rain.

Shut your eyes,
Guilt free child.
From this world
You have been born.
Expect in us
To transform
These faces
So forlorn.