Selamta Family Homes

Health Care

Selamta provides comprehensive health care for our families, children and staff. Children undergo a thorough exam on entry, and everyone at Selamta is provided with a full checkup and vaccinations annually. Special medical needs are monitored and addressed promptly.

The Children's Center maintains a small clinic, fully stocked with medications, bandages, vitamins and other donated supplies. Our moms and aunties are all trained in first aid, and Selamta has developed a strong working relationship with Bethel Hospital, and the pediatricians who care for our children.

Soccer, Soccer, Soccer

Soccer, soccer and more soccer at Selamta. We partner with NGO "Right-to-Play", who provides training for our staff, and a coach who mentors our children through weekly games and practices. The program integrates competitive play along side HIV-prevention training, so while our boys and girls are active on the field, they are also increasing their understanding of HIV-prevention practices.

In 2006, Selamta and Worldwide Orphans created a soccer league for orphans in Addis. Today, there are over a dozen teams playing every weekend all over the city.

Our athletes have won numerous league awards for good sportsmanship and team leadership. Recently, four of our Selamta boys were chosen to participate in the Addis Abbaba all-city League, which is a training ground for the National Team. They will be starting with the program Spring 2010, and we couldn't be more proud!

Fun and Fitness

Our children fill their summer vacation with fun trips to the hot springs in Sodere for swimming, trips to the local amusement park and movie theatre. Some serve as counselors at World Wide Orphans' program for the Hole in the Wall Summer Camp, and most participate in Ethiopian Airlines' annual Run for Life through Addis Abbaba.

Our Ambassador Mady, a recent graduate of University of Vermont, who also teaches at the Alpha School is developing a new neighborhood running club, and our T'sion Aberra from Harvard, has created a summer sports program for the kids.