Familia Hope Orphanage

HOPE for Orphans in Timor Leste

Jean Olson is a Champion for Familia HOPE Orphanage in Timor Leste. Jean learned about HOPE while reading a heart-wrenching, yet heart-warming account of her friend Jason Lewis’ visit to HOPE Orphanage in May 2005. She felt inspired and motivated to do something to support the children at the orphanage. Jean got in touch with the directors of the orphanage and stepped up to become a Champion.

Many children lost both parents during the brutal killings, which followed the successful vote for independence in East Timor in September 1999. HOPE provides a loving, healthy environment that will cater to all the needs of children who are orphaned and living in poverty.

Watch this three-minute video that Jason Lewis and his Expedition 360 team members made while visiting

HOPE Orphanage in 2005: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7rjCrrWFRA.

In the Words of the Champion

Why did you become a Champion for HOPE?

I feel very grateful for all I have. I want to do something for others, to somehow give back to the world--even if it makes just a small difference in only a few people’s lives. I have a full life and a successful career as a software engineer. Supporting orphans living in poverty gives my life a deeper sense of meaning, accomplishment and fulfillment. I am grateful for the opportunities OWCF gives me to share with others to make a difference.

How can one find out more about the children of Familia HOPE Orphanage?

I have not visited Timor-Leste myself, but have read inspiring and informative accounts of visitors to HOPE Orphanage. I read a beautiful photo essay of the children by Jason Lee and another blog from a visitor in April 2007. Check this one out to see what the children do for fun.

Little Moisses is all smiles at his home at HOPE. This child is resilient and happy in spite of a brutal attack that nearly killed him during the conflict.

Photograph: Jason Lee