My time at the Tikune Baby Orphanage has taught me this much already:
- you cannot hope to change the way things are done without having full control and supervision. The lack of stimulation, educational activities, interaction, affection, nurturance and hygiene won't change, even with a steady string of volunteers' efforts. What is needed is a complete overhaul, and a setup and structure like Papa's House. The control and power lies in untrustworthy hands, and thus lasting change, despite my efforts - my translated educational resource for the didis, my attempts to engage the children in play that stimulates their minds and bodies, my donation of 30 nappy liners to reduce the didis' washing load and encourage hygienic practices - is sadly, not going to make much of a difference to the children's lives unless some great overhaul occurs and new practices are enforced. This needs to be the ultimate goal in places like Tikune. Ultimately, one needs to be able to wield power over the entire orphanage and the practices of the didis in order to instill change that will result in positive outcomes for the children.