About WWO
Our VisionTo transform the lives of orphaned children around the world.
Our Mission
To transform the lives of orphaned children by taking them out of anonymity and helping them to become healthy, independent, productive members of their communities and the world.
Our Methods
- Identify the unique needs of orphaned children in institutional and group settings around the world and address those needs through medical, developmental, psychosocial and educational programs that are respectful of cultural norms in each setting.
- Nurture orphaned children with the love and attention that is every child's birthright, so they may grow, learn play and, ultimately, lead productive, dignified adult lives.
- Encourage strategic partnerships with like-minded organizations, both in-country and internationally, so WWO can extend its reach, use its resources effectively and ensure sustanability.
WWO Today
Worldwide Orphans Foundation (WWO) was founded in 1997 by Dr. Jane Aronson, a renowned pediatric infectious disease and adoption medicine specialist, who has dedicated her life to working with children. WWO’s unique mission is “to enrich the lives and enhance the physical, emotional, social and intellectual well-being of orphaned children throughout the world.”
Today, WWO programs are addressing the needs of the most vulnerable children in Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Kenya, Serbia and Viet Nam. WWO was the first to introduce professional peer training in Viet Nam and Ethiopia for pediatric HIV/AIDS treatment and was also the first to treat (and continues to treat) orphans with HIV/AIDS in both countries.
Early Intervention (“granny”) programs in Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Viet Nam and Ethiopia match retirees from communities with orphans in local institutions. The “grannies” work under the direction of a psychologist on a one-to-one basis with a child – five hours a day, five days a week. They feed, play, sing songs, hold and encourage their child and the little ones respond with tremendous developmental advances, better growth, and most importantly, by learning how to love and be loved.
In Ethiopia, WWO and AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) have partnered to open a family healthcare center. In addition to sorely needed medical attention, the facility offers nutritional guidance, job placements, tutoring, and art, music and computer workshops for children and adults.
WWO’s newest intiative is the school for children with and without HIV/AIDS in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A complete curriculum from pre-school to middle school, an Arts Education and Humanities program with Visiting Artists, a library, computer center and recreational facilities all will help do what WWO does best: restore to children their birthright – their childhood.
Heidi Klum, Seal, Anderson Cooper at WWO Gala 2010
WWO Gala 2010 scheduled for November 1.
WWO Canada Benefit Gold Classic
On September 22nd, play golf on the Glen Abbey Golf Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus...
