Carry Light to Dark Places through Orphaned and Vulnerable Children Major 

The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) estimates that over 17 million children worldwide are orphans, with over 153 million having lost one parent. Millions more are susceptible to violence, environmental disaster, hunger, preventable disease, and poverty. In a world of suffering and need, we all ask ourselves: "Where do I come in? How can I enter the work of God’s mission?"

Hands and Feet of Jesus 

For those with a calling to reach the most at-risk populations in the world, Taylor’s Orphaned and Vulnerable Children (OVC) program provides essential tools. It equips students to bring healing and light into dark places. Graduates work domestically or internationally with refugees, foster children, orphans, in anti-human trafficking efforts, and in other related fields.   

"I think part of being the hands and feet of Jesus is to step into hard places, and we equip you to do that," said Dr. Carol Sisson, OVC Director and Associate Professor of Education.  

Aligned with Global Movement 

The OVC program started with a few individual classes, grew into a minor, and is now a complete major at Taylor. Sisson is working to align the program with the global movement of orphaned and vulnerable children.  

Classes center around the values of prevention, intervention, collaboration, and flourishing. As students develop skills and learn strategies of improving child health and safety, they also learn to flourish as an individual and Christ-follower. 

Studies show that family-based care is healthier and more effective for youth than institutional care, like an orphanage. With that in mind, the OVC program emphasizes strengthening families. Sisson also points out that a strong church provides support and encouragement to families. She encourages students to reach out to their communities and participate in local efforts. 

Practicums at Home and Abroad 

The OVC major is holistic and practical at its core. Students take on two practicums: one domestic and one international. The domestic practicum shows students that there is always a need right in front of them. The international practicum provides experience in global challenges affecting children. These field experiences push students to apply what they learn in the classroom in tangible settings. 

"There are vulnerable people wherever you are," Sisson said. "We want to give students eyes for them to see, ‘Okay, here I am in my community. Who do I need to reach out to? Who can I come alongside to help that neighbor down the street? It’s not always the person across the world." 

Senior Gwynyth Gates chose to double major in OVC and Elementary Education—she hopes to teach in schools with populations of vulnerable children. During one of her teaching placements, Gates faced the realities that many kids live every day.  

"It was one of my favorite placements, and I don’t think I would have been able to be as successful and enjoy that if I didn’t have my OVC major with education," Gates said. 

An Individualized Approach 

Gates’ academic combination gave her a large workload, and she was worried she wouldn’t be able to complete all the requirements. But Taylor professors worked with Gates to help her achieve her educational goals and follow God's calling for her.  

"OVC can be very individualized," Gates said. "Many of the people in my major who I'm graduating with are all taking very different paths with that same core component being that we're passionate about those who are vulnerable, specifically children. I'm teaching, and I know some people are working for nonprofits, some people are going into the mission field. There's just a lot that can be done with it."

2022 Taylor graduate Gregg Michael chose to major in OVC because he knew he was given a heart to serve kids. He now works in Mexico at Back2Back Ministries, an organization that serves vulnerable children and families around the world. 

When Michael first learned about Back2Back, he felt that his preparation at Taylor aligned perfectly with the organization’s mission. Taylor equipped him with skills to aid children with trauma—skills he now uses every day. Michael spends his days serving families in the community and helps them build a connection with Back2Back. 

It took time for Michael to find his dream job, but his faith only grew during that period of waiting. "Be obedient to the Lord," Michael said, reflecting on how learning to trust the Lord during that time helped prepare him for future challenges in his ministry.  

Open for All Students 

OVC is specifically designed to be paired with another major, but if students do not have the margin for that commitment, the minor is strong as well. Students with the OVC minor gain field experience through a practicum. OVC classes are increasingly popular at Taylor, demonstrating the Taylor community’s desire to make a lasting impact on our world’s most vulnerable population.