Local Charity Building an Orphanage in Egypt

Inside a crowded, busy, cluttered law office in Rye, attorney Mira Riad runs an international charity seeking to create an orphanage in Egypt.

Founded in 2007, The Littlest Lamb Orphanage's US headquarters is vastly different than what will become the home of the organization.

The Littlest Lamb is building a one-of-a-kind complex in Cairo. When completed in the winter of 2012,the orphanage will provide a family style environment on nine acres of land that will give the children who come there an education through the university level.

"Our orphanage will not only provide a safe home for our children, but will also focus on their physical, social, and emotional well-being," said Riad, who is the  founder and director of the Littlest Lamb.

Riad, a social worker and attorney, said the idea for The Littlest Lamb came to her while visiting orphanages in Egypt and seeing the living conditions.

"Orphans in Egypt are considered second class citizens as adoption in Egypt is illegal and therefore, orphans are frowned upon," she said.  "The orphanages give the orphans a roof over their head and food, but little else." 

The Littlest Lamb does not have any paid employees. It is run out of the law office Riad works for. Eight board members from various professional backgrounds, interns, and volunteers make up the organization's staff.

According to financial records available on the organization's website in 2007 and 2008, administrative expenses were less than 1 percent of the total revenue.

 The organization has raised more than $2,000,000 since it started. The Littlest Lamb receives a wide range of donations from many different donor drives including an annual gala, Superbowl and World Cup parties, summer BBQs, and a charity Photo Contest where for $5, donors are sent a lamb with which to create a photo shoot -- and the most creative photos win prizes.

Currently The Littlest Lamb is preparing for its World Cup Final Party and a golf classic with guest of honor NBA sports announcer Mike Breen.

"Our donors have not only been generous financially but consistently involved in our activities," Riad said.

Riad said one of the difficulties they've faced is working in a foreign country and having to adapt to a different system.

When completed the orphanage will eventually accommodate up to 200 children, but will start with about 50. The on-site staff including housekeepers, chefs, maintenance personnel, psychologist, and nurse will be local Egyptians.

"Above all, our long range goal is to raise our children to become contributing members of Egyptian society and leaders of the next generation, therefore lifting the stigma that is often associated with orphans in Egypt," Riad said.

While Egypt is a predominately Muslim nation, the Littlest Lamb will raise  children  spiritually based on Christian principles, something that may add to the challenges the organization faces.

"Religion is a very touchy subject in Egypt as it is a very religiously charged nation," Riad said. "The Littlest Lamb seeks to serve children of all religions, but we must stay within the rules of the government."

Interested in learning more: visit the website online where you can sign up to donate as little or as much as you want, or become involved in volunteer opportunities or events; or contact Mira Riad at mira@littlestlamb.org or 212.822.3266