A NEW store has opened on Florida Road with the aim of making an impact on society by uplifting and empowering orphaned and vulnerable children all around the world.

The Orphan Clothing Company (OCC), founded by Tich and Joan Smith of LIV Village, employs and is run by orphans who are no longer under the care of the system. Tich, whose vision led to the opening of OCC, said around 80 jobs have been created through the project.

“We mostly employ children who grew up at the Village (orphanage) and or come from disadvantaged background in areas like Amaoti,” said Tich. He said the store came to him as a vision from God, while he was searching for an answer of how he can further help the children that have graduated out of the system. The clothes are made by trained orphans who were part of Friday’s store launch.

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“When a child turns 18, they graduate out of the care system. Now, where is an orphaned 18-year-old child meant to go after that? How are they expected to take care of themselves without any financial support? Even if they go to university, eventually they will graduate and need somewhere to go while they seek out employment,” said Tich.

“By opening the shop and the academy, we are able to provide jobs and valuable skills that they need to grant them independence in this bleak economy. We help them find places to live, it’s not an easy road but we do it.” Opened in the last 18 months, Tich said the name of the shop has been raising eyebrows, with some “believing that they are leveraging off the plight of orphans”.

“It’s got people talking. The brand’s name shines a light on the global orphan crisis that too often goes unseen,” said Tich. “OCC believes awareness is the first step toward change, and every collection is designed to start conversations and inspire responsibility because people do not like talking about orphans. The name is raw and in your face.”

Funds raised through the sale of OCC clothing, in store and online, goes back into the foundation.

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