January 2016 we witnessed one of the most horrific terrorist attacks in France in recent memory. Five separate well organized attacks left the city of Paris in ruin for 24 hours. People wounded and bleeding in the streets. A shoot out in a theater where authorities found the terrorists. Social media took storm in support of France with profile pictures dawning the French colors of red, blue and white. Public outcry and support were at historic levels. France, the world, was united. Underneath it all were the families of those who lost sons, daughters, moms and dads. No public outcry, no amount of rallying was going to bring their loved ones back.
March 22nd, 2016 another attack, this time in Brussels. The target, an airport. Reports of bombs with nails being set off, gunman and more terror. Dead, injured, fear running ramped in a Brussels’ airport. With Paris a not too distant memory one can only think, “How many more are going to happen?” Terrorism is alive and well in the world. Factions popping up and gaining more popularity, more attacks aren’t a possibility but a certainty.
With this growing threat how is it possible that we outside of any military influence can make a difference in this fight? The answer is simple, the children. India has one of the highest missing children rates in the world. An estimated quarter million go missing in India each year. The reasons are many but some are recruited by terrorist extremists. Either pulled away from their parents or lured away by these militant groups the children become soldiers. Heartbreaking to think that these innocent children get caught up in a war that wasn’t their’s.
This epidemic isn’t tragic only to children in the Middle Eastern region of the world, it is everywhere! Children from around the world end up finding themselves kidnapped or lost wandering into a world they don’t understand nor wanted. India is one such region that terrorist groups use to recruit members. In an article published by the Hindustan Times, it stated that a suspected Al-Qaeda member was given instruction to in fact recruit in the country of India.
The younger, the better. So easy to influence and manipulate these groups stop at nothing to strengthen their numbers. You can help stop terrorism! Thats right, you can help make a difference in the fight against terror. Opportunity Hope has built an orphanage for at risk children ranging from ages 5-18. A donation of any type would help ensure their future and keep them safe from the hands of these militant groups. With the children safely tucked away at the orphanage getting an english speaking education and hot meals. They will know a life much different than that of their peers.
