Selamta Family Homes

The First Constellation

Selamta's first constellation of family homes in the neighborhood surrounding the Children's Center in Bethel, are thriving.

Eight new households, home to sixty-eight children and sixteen adult moms and aunties are up and running, with two more funded and ready to open in April 2010.

A Model That Works

UNICEF and other sponsors of the 2009 International Conference in Africa For Children held in Nairobi, agree that family based care is the most effective model, and an aspirational objective for humanitarian organizations focused on HIV/AIDS. As global awareness increases, we are encouraged by public and private sector endorsement of this important paradigm, as it underlies our approach.

Selamta is solidly ahead of the curve, and the only organization at the conference to have successfully executed on the model. Our family homes are comprised of a head-of-household mom, a supporting auntie, and eight to ten children, which usually include multiple sibling groups. On all counts, our homes are proving to be a successful platform for renewal and growth.

A Warm, Comfortable Household

Selamta families live in clean, modern houses near the Center. Our families are given an allowance to furnish their own home, and pick out pots, pans, linens and dishes together at the Mercado. The children decorate their bedrooms, and together the family plants a small garden.

Every child is proud of their new home, and moms and aunties work hard to make them warm, comfortable and safe.

Shared Joys and Challenges

The women of Selamta have created a strong peer-to-peer support network. They share the joys and challenges of raising a house full of vibrant, active kids, and share laughter and stories at their weekly coffee ceremonies.

In each home, the children have quickly become fiercely loyal brothers and sisters, and share remarkably strong bonds of love and commitment. Beyond their immediate family, they remain firmly connected to their extended brothers and sisters in other Selamta family homes, and in the Center.

Schools, Sports and Friends

Our children are growing stronger academically, and many are at the top of their classes. They excel at sports and are increasingly being integrated into a neighborhood of friends, who not long before, were not allowed to speak or play with them.

The stigma of AIDS is falling away, as our children become active students, soccer teammates and familiar neighborhood regulars. They are courteous, respectful and hard working, all attributes appreciated by the adults in their neighborhoods. In short, it's obvious they come from caring, strong families.

A Life-long Family

Selamta is creating life-long families in Bethel, on a foundation of love and respect. Our children see the opportunities in front of them and realize their good fortune. They are looking forward to becoming productive citizens and the future leaders of Ethiopia, and are eager to help others, as they've been helped by Selamta.

There are certainly challenges ahead, but Selamta's families are strong, devoted to each other, and increasingly independent.