The orphanage, where T and M were living, was in abominable condition. Built in WWII, it had been used as a barracks and then as a prison. Missing windows, no plumbing, many boys sleeping on the floor. No kitchen. It housed more than 200 school aged boys. By the time Randy went in 2008 some folks had taken an interest in this orphanage and it was beginning to get much needed attention. Still many boys ran away deciding being on the street was better than living there.
The younger kids orphanages were not any better. Children dying and those living were in bad shape.
By 2007 or 2008, things were turning around. People were paying attention and agencies were working on getting the places in better shape. Some friends we met in process had adopted their kids from ET a year or so prior to our application. Their kids were in one of the worst orphanages (and the biggest) in the city of Addis Ababa. (It has since been shut down) When they got home, they decided something must be done to help. So they started Ethio-American blended Families. http://www.ethioamericanfamily.org/
They not only help support an orphanage but also a 'community center'. This center functions as an after school program that offers meals as well as tutoring and help buying school books and uniforms. They survive on donations only.
I wanted to learn more about this program. So the opportunity arose and we decided it would be good idea to go over and see how it worked.
I saw and I was impressed. Unlike many orphanages (especially those supported by adoption agencies), they accept any child in need. Trust me when I say many orphanages only want kids who are adoptable. (young, healthy, etc) Here they realize most of the children will be with them until they age out of the system. It is a family atmosphere. I like that.
So I tell you all of this to shamelessly plug the orphanage and read-feed center. When I was there they had 50 kids living in this compound. (one house with a fenced in courtyard) They were expecting a bus load of kids from the Sudanese border within the next 2 weeks. They need money for beds, etc. They also need sponsors for the kids at the read-feed center. One boy in particular needs a sponsor. ($32/month) He lived with his mom and 2 sisters in a tent which means basically on the streets. The mom has some mental issues. He was shining shoes to help feed his sisters and mom. When the center found out his living conditions, they helped the mom get into a 'house'. They helped her find work. They have sponsors for the sisters but need a sponsor for the boy. He's a good boy. Quiet and helpful. By helping this child or others, you help preserve a family. That is flat out awesome.
Orphanage.
They rent this house and are at the mercy of the owner as to what they can do to accommodate the kids.
They could be asked to leave at any time.
Imagine the logistics of that.
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