VOICED : Baby box opens lid on South Africa's adoption crisis

The video discusses Hope Orphanage in Johannesburg, which provides temporary shelter for abandoned babies. It highlights the baby box system, established in 1999, as a safe place for mothers to leave unwanted children. The video also addresses the broader issue of child abandonment in South Africa, where thousands of children are left at orphanages or on the streets annually. It explores the societal challenges faced by mothers, including abandonment by partners and families. A personal story illustrates the stigma surrounding adoption in South Africa, emphasizing the difficult choices some families face.

What is the primary purpose of the baby box at the Door of Hope Orphanage?

• To store supplies for the orphanage

• To provide a safe place for mothers to leave unwanted children

• To act as a donation box for the orphanage

• To serve as a play area for children

Approximately how many babies survive abandonment each year in South Africa, according to NGOs?

• 4000

• 3000

• 2000

• 1000

What is one of the main reasons for child abandonment in South Africa?

• Lack of orphanages

• Mothers facing abandonment by partners and society

• High cost of living

• Government policies

Why is adoption considered taboo in South Africa?

• It is too expensive

• It is not culturally accepted

• It is seen as throwing a baby away

• It is illegal

What choice do adopted children have that those abandoned at the Door of Hope do not?

• To receive financial support from the government

• To choose their adoptive parents

• To track down their biological family

• To live in a different country