Orphanage
Love and Family
The children at the Tashirat orphanage are raised by our permanent staff members, many of whom have been full-time, live-in volunteers for over 20 years. Each child has a home with his or her Tashirat mom or dad. Each house has 5-10 children, and our children receive a home for life. No matter where they go in the world, they know that, just like any child, they have a family to depend on and a home to return to. Our disabled children who cannot live without assistance know that even as they become adults, we will always be here for them, helping them to become more independent within the context of a safe and supportive environment where they can prosper and grow in their adult lives.
We strengthen our children emotionally by teaching them to communicate and to express their feelings, so that they can resolve their relationships and issues as they come up and adequately ask for help when they need it.
Health
The children receive very nutritious vegetarian meals, free of refined sugar. Our balanced nutrition has made it possible for all of our children to live medication-free within their very first few months of transition into Tashirat, even though many arrived with serious chronic health issues and on heavy allopathic drugs. Their improved physical, emotional and mental health has really changed their lives.
Our children are particularly active in Tashirat, practicing Yoga and exercise on a daily basis, as well as frequently riding bikes, swimming, jumping on the trampolines and playing soccer.
Education
Since most of our children come to us with learning difficulties, very little formal education, intellectual disabilities and/or behavioral problems, in Tashirat we have our own primary school incorporated with the SEP in which we offer our children an education that meets with the needs of each child at their particular level. For the secondary level, as well as for children who do not have the ability to study at the level that would normally correspond to their age group, we have the support of the INEA educational system.
For adolescents who have the ability to study high school, we rely on the AIU online high school program, and those who want to study for a career have the option of taking online college courses.
In the case of girls, boys, adolescents and adults with disabilities, they will always continue to receive, regardless of their age, an education which aids their successful intellectual development and participation in the community.
Bilingualism
In general, we speak English at home and Spanish at school, so most of our children are fluent in both languages. Not only will being bilingual be an asset for our children one day in the working world, but research shows that speaking more than one language can have a positive effect on the brain, improving cognitive skills and enhancing overall mental development.
Life Preparation
In addition to offering the curriculum for elementary, middle and high school, we also offer workshops/classes in:
-Carpentry
-Vegan food preparation
-Cultivation of gardens and orchards
-Crafts
-Childcare
-Yoga and meditation
Our children with intellectual disabilities who stay with us into their adulthood receive all the tools to be able live a more independent life, yet always with the level of assistance necessary provided by the Tashirat community.
Installations
