International (MNN) — A simple gift given each year to America's children as they start a new school year is unimaginable to millions around the world.
More than 145 million children are orphaned worldwide, and because most live in extreme poverty, they spend less than five years in school, receiving a very poor education. Over 150 million children leave school without basic literacy skills. The goal of Orphan Outreach is to help these children obtain a quality education and to succeed, which would in turn improve the communities in which they live. For an orphan or impoverished child who has no family to rely on, an education is their only hope for a brighter future.
"[They] desperately need quality Christian education and essential school supplies to help them succeed in school," said Tiffany Taylor, Orphan Outreach Marketing Director.
Orphan Outreach provides a full Christian education for children living in extreme poverty in Guatemala, Honduras, India and Russia. Much-needed supplies are gathered through Mission Backpack and delivered with a message of hope. New and gently-used backpacks are gathered and packed with school supplies, then distributed on short-term Orphan Outreach mission trips.
"New backpacks and school supplies are passed out with a message that these children are loved by their Heavenly Father," added Taylor.
In October, the packs will be headed to India, Guatemala and Russia. November's packs are planned to travel to Honduras. If you'd like to learn more about Mission Backpack or if you'd like to know how you can become involved, click here.
