Since Hawassa Hope was founded, Ajuuja Children’s Home has had to move 4 separate times. This is a lot of times to move for an average family or workplace. But Ajuuja is anything but average. Ajuuja typically houses around 30 children at any given time. So every time they have been forced to move due to skyrocketing rent, they are forced to uproot a group of children—a group comprised of babies, toddlers, and kids with special needs.
Try and picture packing a group of kids up and moving them all to a new home. It’s not an easy picture. The moves are hard on the kids and they are hard on the staff.
We have dreamed of having our own space for years.
Now the time is right to move forward to build a new children’s home on land that will be owned by Ajuuja. This will mean there will be a permanent place for Ajuuja to operate and no possibility of the children living there having to endure the stress of another unexpected home move. We can also build for what the children and staff need to best care for the children such as permanent play rooms, storage rooms and more room for the children. We can also then care MORE children.
With your help, this project will be possible!
Now, allow me to introduce you to the people who make Ajuuja run smoothly:
The nannies—these women work devotedly to care for children who are not their own. They are asked to love and care for children who will only be in their care for a short period of time, until they are locally adopted or fostered, but they are unwavering in their commitment to each child who passes through their care. They pour love and care into children upon meeting them–children who may be experiencing unconditional love for the first time.
The guards—their primary job is to keep the kids and nannies safe, but they do so much more! On any given day at Ajuuja, you can find a guard with a toddler who was abandoned by their parents on his lap, or giving undivided attention little boy whose short life has been riddled with hardships.
Eyasu and Askale—These two are the founders of Ajuuja. They were inspired by situations in their own life to create a safe and loving home for children who had no place to go. They continue to work with Ajuuja and know each child by name and their story. Eyasu is currently the director while Askale serves tirelessly as a social worker. The work of Hawassa Hope would be impossible, were it not for the dream and vision this couple had years ago.
Social workers—these individuals advocate for the best future for each child who passes through Ajuuja. Whether it is obtaining specialized school services, or matching children with prospective Ethiopian adoptive parents, they are committed to ensuring the children entrusted to them will thrive.
The nurses—these women provide excellent care to each and every child at Ajuuja! They have nursed children back to health and are dedicated to their job.
The cooks—Imagine cooking for 30-40 people. It’s a lot of work. Now imagine cooking three meals a day for that many people. That is exactly what these ladies do! They work in a hot kitchen to make meals for all of the kids…and then there’s the dishes! They are busy ladies who often work behind the scenes, but they are a vital part of Ajuuja!
In addition to those who provide daily direct care to the kids, there are others who work behind the scenes—accountant, administrative staff, board members who advocate and work on behalf of these kids!
Ajuuja is an amazing place. It is time for it to be an amazing place with a permanent location.
We are asking for your help to make this happen! Not for us, but for the children who need it.
These children are the future of Ethiopia, and they deserve a safe, loving home. Join us in making sure they have one.