A Sanctuary of Hope: The Story of Abandoned Children in Dubai
Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Nestled in the bustling neighborhoods of Al Warqa, a unique sanctuary exists for thirty vulnerable souls. These children, abandoned as infants, now find solace within the compassionate walls of Family Village, a residential orphanage lovingly overseen by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the Community Development Authority (CDA).
A Heart-Wrenching Reality
Behind the cheerful faces of these children lies a heart-wrenching truth. Many of them have Filipino lineage, their stories starting with their mothers—immigrant workers who sought a better life. Unfortunately, these mothers sometimes made the painful decision to leave their newborns behind in hospitals, apartments, or even in darkened streets, hoping to return but never doing so. As one source poignantly revealed, “Sad to say, our countrymen are their mothers.”
The Birth of Family Village
Seventeen years ago, a beacon of hope emerged in the form of Family Village, guided by the devoted Marites Rufo. A registered nurse with a kind heart, Rufo felt a calling to this special place after witnessing the plight of abandoned infants during her time in a pediatric ward. She recalls the tears of helplessness as she faced the growing number of babies without a nurturing home.
“I was hesitant at first,” she admits, reflecting on her early days. “But I realized they needed more than just medical care—they needed love, comfort, and unwavering support.”
Building Bridges Across Borders
The journey for these children doesn’t end within the village. Over the years, the Family Village has partnered with the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) to ensure that each child’s story continues beyond Dubai. As Consul General Ambrosio Brian Enciso III shared, this collaboration brings essential support, providing shelter and documentation for abandoned children, while working tirelessly towards reunifying them with their families back home in the Philippines.
“Through our shared efforts,” Enciso explained, “we secure the safety and well-being of these children, paving the way for their future.”
A Hopeful Tomorrow
Remarkably, nearly half of the children at Family Village are now in high school. They are flourishing under the care of a government that takes pride in supporting their education, housing, and needs. Rufo, who fosters a nurturing environment, emphasizes the importance of emotional support. “They are extremely vulnerable. I want them to know they are never alone; we are here for them.”
Reflections of a Mother
As a mother herself, Rufo grapples with understanding the harsh reality faced by these children’s mothers. “I wish we could all be responsible parents,” she reflects, her voice trembling with both empathy and concern. “We need to remember why we’re here and what we owe our families back home.”
Rufo often finds herself in deep conversations with the children, who trustingly call her “mama.” “When they reach out to me at 1 a.m., pouring their hearts out, it’s both a privilege and a responsibility,” she says. “The question ‘Why was I abandoned, mama?’ is one that still haunts me.”
Honoring Compassion
Her tireless dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. Rufo was recently honored as the grand winner of the Dakilang Manggagawang Pilipino 2026, celebrating her unwavering commitment to these children. She has also received accolades such as the Best Nurse 2021 award and, under the directive of Dubai’s Crown Prince, was granted the prestigious UAE Golden Visa.
In Conclusion
In a world that can often feel indifferent, the Family Village stands as a testament to the power of compassion and community. Each child, with their unique story, embodies resilience. Thanks to the continued love and care from individuals like Marites Rufo, there is hope on the horizon. A promise that even in the face of abandonment, love can be rediscovered, and dreams can once again flourish.
