Family
Under Pressure in Asia
Little Yu
is 8 years old. Already he is thinking about getting into
university. His parents tell him if he doesn’t do his homework
well, he will not pass his entrance exams. Then he won’t get a
good job, and he’ll be a disgrace to his family. His parents
work long hours, struggling to get ahead, and in the process, they
ignore each other’s needs. Xiao Chen, Yu’s mother, is
wondering whether she made a mistake when she married Yu’s
father. Divorce is an easy and tempting option. The family is losing the central role it once had in Asian
culture. The divorce rate is rapidly increasing, along with the
number of single parent families, unwanted pregnancies, and
couples living together out of wedlock. Children face the
challenge of high expectations coupled with every indulgence
offered to them by their parents and grandparents. There is little
opportunity for play, learning life skills and independence, and
discovering how to make healthy choices.
The Lighthouse Centre: A Place of Hope
The Lighthouse Centre seeks to be a beacon of light by promoting
healthy families. Located in an ethnically diverse section of an
Asian city, the Centre will be a source of information and
training available to the majority population and ethnic
minorities. By building strong relationships, the staff hopes to
make a positive impact on the community.
The centerpiece of the Lighthouse will be the children’s
library and its library programs. There will also be an adult
resource area with books on family issues. Adults will have the
opportunity to take classes on parenting, interpersonal skills,
and preparing for marriage. All of the Lighthouse activities will
promote the physical, emotional, social, educational, and
spiritual well-being of families.
Phase I will include finding and renovating a suitable building
by fall 2006, recruiting and training staff in early 2007, and
opening by March 2007. Once the Centre is running for two years,
Phase II will expand the services to include English Classes and
Teacher Training. These classes will generate income, paving the
way towards financial sustainability.
An Investment in Asian Families
Children like Yu will benefit from the Lighthouse. There, he will
be welcomed by caring staff as he delves into children’s story
books. His mother and father will receive counsel and
encouragement to strengthen their marriage and their parenting
skills.
Would you consider investing in the future of Asia’s
children and marriages? You may partner with us by giving to
project CN 98186.
Thank you for your partnership in
this effort!
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