LIFE Gives a Day of Joy for 7,660 Orphans Across 20 Countries

Around the world, millions of children are growing up without parents, their lives are shaped by war, poverty, and disaster. In countries like Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan, and Gaza, ongoing conflict and instability have stolen not just homes but childhoods. Others, across parts of Africa and Asia, face hunger, disease, and displacement brought on by droughts, floods, and economic hardship. For these children, every day is a struggle for safety, education, and belonging, a reality that often goes unseen by the rest of the world. 

Orphans are among the most vulnerable members of society. According to UNICEF, more than 140 million children worldwide have lost one or both parents. Many live in regions where access to clean water, healthcare, and schooling is limited or destroyed. Without stable family structures, countless children fall into cycles of exploitation, malnutrition, and emotional trauma. Yet, small acts of kindness can restore something extraordinary, a sense of hope. 

Through its Global Orphan Parties, LIFE created moments of celebration and joy for 7,660 orphans across 20 countries. The celebrations took place in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ghana, Indonesia, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Lebanon, Mali, Pakistan, the West Bank, Gaza, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Somaliland, Sri Lanka, Syria, Yemen, and Egypt. 

At each event, children gathered to play, laugh, and enjoy games, entertainment, delicious food, and gifts. Most importantly, they experienced what every child deserves: to be seen, loved, and celebrated. For many, it was their first time in months, or even years, feeling like a child again. 

These moments matter deeply. A single day of laughter can ease months of fear. Events like LIFE’s Global Orphan Parties do more than bring smiles; they build emotional resilience, strengthen communities, and reaffirm the universal truth that every child is important. 

To all who made this possible, thank you. Your compassion reached across borders and conflict zones, turning despair into delight. Because of you, thousands of children felt the warmth of humanity and the light of belonging, even in the darkest times. 

"When the party started, I forgot everything that made me sad. I wore a new dress and danced with my friends. It felt like my birthday, even though it wasn’t."- Fatima, age 7, Gaza 

"I never thought anyone would come here just to make us smile. We played games, ate cake, and I got a toy car. I keep it under my pillow so I don’t lose it." - Hamid, age 10, Afghanistan