Emima’s Second Chance: How Orphan Care in India Changed Her Life

Emima is one of the youngest girls in our Rayagada orphanage home, where we provide orphan care in India. She just turned six years old a few weeks ago, and she is by far the happiest little girl you will ever meet. However, Emima’s first few years in life were far from easy, and she has transformed completely since we found her.

Emima, lovingly called Emi, lost her father when she was just three years old due to malaria, sending her family into a desperate struggle for survival. Her mother, still very young, was left alone to care for Emi and her five siblings. In their village, caste discrimination meant that no one was willing to help. With no other options, Emi’s mother resorted to stealing vegetables to feed her children, often getting caught and publicly humiliated.

The family’s situation worsened when a businessman offered money in exchange for one of her children. Out of desperation, Emi’s mother accepted, believing she would still see her son, but he was taken away forever. This tragic cycle repeated months later, as another brother was sold for just Rs. 2000 ($40). Overwhelmed with guilt and depression, Emi’s mother turned to alcohol and tobacco, neglecting her remaining children.

After falling seriously ill, she passed away within weeks, leaving Emi and her four siblings orphaned. At just four years old, Emi was already consuming alcohol and chewing tobacco. She and her siblings struggled to survive, relying on begging, but the village showed no compassion.

We found Emi by the roadside, desperately asking a local vendor for tobacco. Heartbroken by her condition, we took her back to her village, cleaned her up, and gave her a warm meal. She devoured two plates of rice without ever looking away from the food—she was starving, malnourished, and lost.

Through the villagers, we learned her tragic story. To our shock, they recounted it with complete indifference. It became clear that helping abandoned children in India was not a priority in this village. Without hesitation, we sought permission from the village head to take Emi and her siblings to our Rayagada orphanage home. The decision was left to the children. While Emi bravely chose to come with us, her siblings, already working in local restaurants, refused. We assured them they were always welcome if they ever changed their minds.

From the moment we left with Emi on the back of our motorbike, she never looked back.

A New Life Through Orphan Care in India

Adjusting to life at our home took time. At first, Emi was defensive, aggressive, and mistrusting of kindness. She would steal money at night to buy tobacco, refuse to attend school, and discard everything we gave her.

With patience, love, and consistent care, Emi slowly changed. Today, she is not just the happiest girl in our home but also one of the most compassionate and loving.

Thanks to Moms Against Poverty, Emi and all our younger girls receive a quality education at the best English-speaking school in Rayagada. Not only did Emi complete her first year with excellent grades, but she has also started speaking English and Hindi!

The support for orphan girls in Rayagada has given Emi a second chance at life. She now dreams of a bright future, surrounded by love, care, and opportunity.

Our home would not be the same without Emi, and we are incredibly grateful to Moms Against Poverty for their unwavering commitment to providing orphan care in India.