EP 187 | Why Kids With Parents End Up in Orphanages (Hard Truth)

Ade Olowo moved into a Nigerian orphanage as a "house uncle" to 14 boys when he was supposed to become an engineer. Now he works across Africa, bringing governments, nonprofits, and orphanage leaders to the same table, people who often see each other as the enemy. The statistic that changes everything: 80% of children in orphanages have at least one living parent. So why are they there? The answers involve poverty, stigma, witchcraft accusations, and systems that were never designed to reunite families. Ade shares stories from the ground, including children burned and accused, leaders who apologized for shutting down orphanages without listening, and the slow, patient work of changing minds across cultures. This conversation will expand your perspective on what it means to protect the vulnerable, and why the fastest solution isn't always the right one. Key Timestamps [00:03:45] How Ade went from volunteer to house uncle for 14 boys   [00:08:30] Bringing opposing sides to the table: family care vs. institutional care   [00:11:20] The Ghanaian leader who apologized for shutting down orphanages   [00:14:00] The 80% statistic: most orphans have living parents   [00:16:45] Poverty, HIV stigma, and witchcraft accusations   [00:23:15] Why some children can't go back home, even when parents want them   [00:26:00] Ade's prayer: bringing the right people and waiting for change Memorable Quotes "Research says that 80% of kids who live in orphanages have a living parent. But it begs the question, why are these children in the orphanage in the first place?" – Ade Olowo [00:14:52]  "When God puts a passion in your heart, He will bring the right pieces, the right people to help accomplish it." – Ade Olowo [00:27:15]  Connect With Ade Olowo Organization: Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO.org)   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ade-olowo-8ba56850 Connect With the Host Website: https://raeirelan.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raeirelan/ Join the Evolved Influence Academy Community today! https://www.skool.com/evolved-influence-academy/about?ref=28c7243ce169469eb9979bbc4226a76a Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices