Theory of change

We act on the conviction that every child deserves the love of a family.

We believe it’s possible to end the global orphan crisis by implementing in-country, community integrated, holistic solutions focused on prevention and restoration of vulnerable children and families through intentional relationships with one child, one family at a time.

Selamta's approach

Forever Family Program

Children are identified and referred by the Ethiopian Ministry of Women and Children to Selamta’s programs. Once a child or sibling group has been referred, they come into the care of our Selamta Children’s Center. Located within walking distance of our Selamta Community Center and nestled in the neighborhood of our Forever Family Homes, Selamta’s Children’s Center is the first stop on the way to a Forever Family. Children come to us from government orphanages or unsafe living situations. They are immediately embraced by a loving team of Selamta Moms, skilled social workers and professional support that helps each child settle into their new surroundings.

Our Selamta Team makes every effort to explore the options of parental reunification, biological kinship care and/or domestic adoption before a child or sibling group is permanently placed into a Selamta Forever Family. When it’s been determined that a Selamta Forever Family is the best option, our model is uniquely designed to give children the love and support they need:

• Healthy Family Structure - We unite 8-10 children with a Selamta-trained mother in their own home, integrated into their local community.

• Children Grow Up Together - Children grow up as a family over a 10-20 year period before launching from Selamta’s care into independence.

• Spiritual, Mental & Physical Growth - Our professional staff serve each family with an emphasis on education, wellness, psychosocial support, and spiritual development.

• Restoring Family, Dignity & Hope - Growing up in a stable family, surrounded by the love of Christ gives children a strong sense of belonging and hope.

Check out this 20 minute documentary The Archibald Project produced about our Forever Family Program.

Wrap-around Care

Family is the foundation on which we build our lives. Every strong foundation requires cornerstones that bear weight. The four cornerstones of Selamta’s wrap-around care are:

Selamta's professional staff walks with each of our families in relationship, providing long-term support and guidance through our four cornerstones. Our Community Center is an environment where our families gather, dignity is realized, and hope for a brighter future is possible. 

Community Integration

Selamta’s Forever Families are spread across our local neighborhood, leveraging local community infrastructure such as schools, churches, and community programs. Each Forever Family home is surrounded by neighbors and embraced as valuable members of their community, breaking down the stigma typically associated with orphaned children.

Our Community Center serves as an anchor for our families and the local community. It’s more than a gathering place. It’s where wrap-around care is provided to our Forever Families and where similar resources are available for local at-risk, reunified, kindship care, and adoptive families. Every summer community children are invited to take part in our English Summer Camp, improving communication skills and growing relationships.

Permanency

Recreating family is a long-term commitment. Selamta’s first generation of Forever Families have been growing together since 2006. We’ve been blessed to witness children who came to us scared and alone, receive hope and healing through the love of a healthy family. As a result, they have come to know their God-given dignity and worth, been equipped with critical life skills, and recognize their network of caring adults willing to walk with them through whatever life throws their way.

Even after a child has grown and established themselves, they always have the relational care of their family and a network of support from Selamta’s wrap-around team.

Photos above, unless otherwise noted, are provided by The Archibald Project (@thearchibaldproject), an orphan care advocacy organization that uses media to share inspiring stories to inspire people into action. To see more of their work, please visit www.thearchibaldproject.com