Meet Our Families

The Axum House

Our Axum household is headed by a beautiful woman named Bichawork Abera. When we first met Bichawork, she covered her face and rarely smiled. She had come from the countryside to find work, and the traditional tatooing on her face made it almost impossible for her to get a job. It labeled Bichawork as illiterate and poor. She was staying where she could, eating little and was doing what she could to survive.

When Bichawork went through hands-on training at the Selamta Children's Center, she was shy with her classmates, but magical with the kids. During our mother's meetings Bichawork seldom took the scarf from over her mouth, and was very quiet. My, how she has changed! Today, Bichawork ia a strong and outspoken advocate for her family, is eager to learn, and hopes to earn some additional income by working outside the home part time. She has created very strong friendships with the other women of Selamta, and is very much at home in her neighborhood.

Once Bichawork was chosen to be the new mother of Axum House, her personality came alive. Talk about a mother hen! Bichawork clearly prizes her children and proudly shows off their report cards and awards. The kids love their mother right back, and are eager to make her proud.

Selam is the oldest girl and has turned into her mother’s biggest helper. She also came in at the top of her class last year and has dreams of being a doctor!

Adelegn and Tigist also came in at the top of their classes respectively and that was a very big accomplishment as both kids only started attending school regularly after they came to Selamta. They both put in a lot of hard work to catch up and win those awards

Tefared and Haileyesus are two energetic boys who love soccer a bit more than school but, Mom is on top of that! Bichawork hired a tutor after school and makes sure that homework is done before going out to play.

Fetlework gives her Mom the most impressive hugs and also has some traditional tatooing on her face...like mom like daughter! Bichawork has taught both Selam and Fetlework how to make injera, wat, and entertain visitors with the coffee ceremony.

Little Meheret is the youngest and certainly is doted on by all of the family. She loves school and equally loves to play dress up with her sisters clothes. Meheret says she "loves mommy and brothers and sisters and Selamta!." Couldn't have said it better ourselves.