Did you know Amish children are forbidden from going to school after the 8th grade?
Help Amish Kids Learn By Giving Today!
Attend school beyond the 8th grade
Speak English as a second language (avg 5th grade literacy)
Learn STEM (science, technology, engineering, math), civics, law, politics, sex education, and the arts
Did you know that even YOU do not have the right to learn according to the US federal government?
Our Goal
Make A Real Change In American & Indigenous Children’s Lives
In 1972, the United States Supreme Court decided in Wisconsin v. Yoder that Amish children do not have the right to any future other than one inside the Amish Church.
An Amish child is prohibited by law from becoming anything but a “housewife” or a “farmer”.
Guided by enlightenment principles, the Amish Heritage Foundation (AHF) is, to our knowledge, the first organization in 300+ years of Amish history that advocates for the Amish—inside and outside the Church—without a religious price tag, promotes compassionate secular values, and empowers those who leave the Church.
We envision that one day education will be an explicit federal right for every child and adult.
In the meantime, we’re empowering Amish women and children through education, so they can choose their futures.
“The Amish Heritage Foundation has provided me with life-changing emotional support, influence and guidance. I don’t feel so alone anymore.”
“When I escaped, I didn’t even know if I had a birth certificate. The Amish Heritage Foundation helped me get documented right away, so I could get a job and be recognized as an American citizen.”
“If it weren’t for The Amish Heritage Foundation and their dedicated staff, we would never have been able to stand up to the abuse inside our church. We would have just given up.”
The Amish Heritage Foundation Blog
3 Disappointing Comments Found in the Wisconsin v. Yoder Final Judgment
In a display of irony, the Supreme Court acknowledges that people need a sufficient educational background in order to actively participate in a democratic society. However, they approved a case that intentionally restricts a child’s education, in order to appease the desire of those in charge to prevent social exposure and higher knowledge.
Celebrating Easter and Good Friday as an Amish American Child: 2023 Edition
Jesus on a cross isn’t something you’ll likely see in traditional Amish homes. But you might see Easter eggs and bunnies.
Does Your Faith Tell You Your Parents Are Right No Matter What?
Blind obedience to authority can prevent you from thinking critically and making your own decisions. It can stifle creativity and independent thought, leading to a narrow worldview and a lack of self-confidence. This is why a rigorous education is so important.
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Empowering Amish women and children through education
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