Selamta Family Homes

A First Step to Sustainability

In regions of extreme poverty, education may not be a priority, though it is an important first step along the path to sustainable independence. In fact, according to Save the Children, only 36 percent of Ethiopian children ever attend school of any kind, and only 18 percent of children reach the fifth grade. Unsurprisingly, school attendance rates for orphans are significantly lower still.

Education provides children with important tools, resources and networks to succeed as adults. It is fundamental to raising well adjusted and productive citizens, able to enter adulthood with confidence, and the skills to take responsibility for future families of their own.

The Alpha Keryano School

Selamta children are enrolled in the Alpha Keryano School, one of the best private schools in Addis Abbaba. Some have never attended, and many have missed school for extended periods, and so it is common to re-enter several grades below their age groups. However, most advance rapidly, and today 89% of our children are performing at grade level.

Because we are active and involved parents, the Alpha School now considers Selamta an important and engaged partner. Through a fellowship we've established with the Tucker Foundation at Dartmouth College, Selamta Ambassadors are now developing custom curriculum, collaborating with Ethiopian teachers, and teaching ESL classes at the school.

Academic Achievement at Selamta

Selamta children and families take education very seriously, and work hard to excel. In fact, twenty percent of Selamta kids are either number one or number two in their classes. After school, our children hurry to homework and learning sessions with private Ethiopian tutors and Selamta Ambassadors.

Each year, children's literacy and mathematics skills are evaluated to track progress, and surface individual needs. We provide remedial instruction where needed, and are working to develop vocational programs for children .

Leadership Skills

Selamta's Saturday morning meetings are age-appropriate forums where children discuss topics related to ethics, values and leadership. The day's issue might be dealing with injustice, the meaning of respect, the nature of true friendship or a moral dilemma that the children are struggling with.

Selamta also encourages an active, frank discussion of about HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention, sexual health and responsibility.