At the 6th BiCON International Conference, OrphanCare Foundation was proudly represented by our Trustee, Datin Elya, in the session “Crisis and the Resilience of Families and Care-Experienced People.”
In her impactful address, Datin Elya reaffirmed a powerful truth — every child deserves to grow up surrounded by the love, care, and stability of a family, not within the walls of an institution. She spoke passionately about the shared moral duty of governments, communities, and society to protect children from growing up in institutional care, where the unseen scars can last a lifetime.
Yet, her message carried hope. Datin Elya reminded us that when families receive the right support — through counselling, temporary assistance, parenting guidance, and strong community networks — families stay together.
Echoing the voices of care-experienced individuals, she emphasised that children’s deepest need is not simply food or shelter, but the irreplaceable sense of love, belonging, and family.
She concluded with three key reflections that continue to guide OrphanCare’s mission:
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Families First — Even in times of crisis, children must remain connected to their families and communities.
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Listen to Lived Experiences — Individuals who have experienced care must lead the conversation in shaping better systems.
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Collaboration Matters — Governments, NGOs, communities, and international allies must work hand in hand to ensure that no child is left without a family.
Together, we can create a world where every child grows up in a loving, permanent family — a world where love, not circumstance, defines a child’s future.
