Orphan’s Home Visit Etiquette 101 – EMMA

Honoring & caring for an orphan is one of the most noble acts. Visiting them benefits not only the children but will nourish your soul too ?. So in EMMA we decided to tell you how to help them.

But be aware, good intentions aren’t enough, you should also be mindful of your actions and words when visiting. ♥️

Let’s learn the Do’s & Don’ts of Orphange Visiting with EMMA!

As shared by Nahla El nemr , this month’s Inspiring Woman, Ambassador and Senior Assessor of Orphanages in Egypt with EMMA.

1) Know the visiting times before you go:

The orphanage is their home, and you cannot visit someone’s home without knowing first what time suits them, right ??

2) Ask what places you’re allowed to enter:

Maybe they won’t like you to enter some areas there, and you have to respect their space.

3) Be your normal self

Don’t over exaggerate and don’t act strangely, keep it normal, one of the things that’s really humane is to blend in with whatever environment you’re in and not making them feel that you or them don’t fit.

? You don’t have to bring any sweets with you, your smile is enough!

4) Don’t say the word “ملجأ”, say “دار” or “بيت”. They love them more, and it’s more humane.

5) Don’t impose your principles on them

We all have different mindsets and we all have been raised differently, so telling them any of your personal beliefs is what they should believe as well will psychologically only do them harm and never any good.

6) Never ever promise them anything!

Do not tell them “when I come next time”, “I will bring you so & so”, “We will talk about this when I see you again”. Because maybe you won’t be able to keep your promise & it’ll break their hearts!

7) Before you visit, ask the staff what the home needs and bring along, also what kind of gifts the children like, but know that the most precious gift of all is just your attention and time!

People always think that what orphans need is either gifts or money, and pay no attention to the most need they have of all, real human connections.

Orphans of all ages, care more about the quality of the time you spend with them, the care and communication you give them throughout your visit. It makes them feel that you see them as valued human beings, not just someone whom you bought a gift and is here to drop it off.

Sometimes coming in without a gift and spending quality time with the children has a greater impact on them, making them see that you’re REALLY there to CONNECT with them.

Attentively listening to something they’re sharing with you, with an open heart and mind , making them feel heard and understood.. Getting to really know them will make you unforgettable for a lifetime and it will leave a beautiful mark in their heart which gifts & money can never leave 🙂

Friendly Advice: It’s great when you visit several orphanages, but it’s even greater when you stick to a specific one where you can build a bond with the orphans there, who knows? maybe you’d change someone’s life by just being in it with the little while you spend together every now & then:)!

All the previous information is credited to Wataneya for the Development of Orphanages check their page to stay updated and motivated to do more khayr ?!