November-December, 2005

 

Dear Friends;

 

    From the children of AHOPE Ethiopia, I bring you a message of thanks and greetings.  My recent trip to Ethiopia was an eventful and profoundly moving experience.  There is good news of progress, but much yet that needs to be done. Sidisse Buli and the staff are wonderful people who love the children and take very good care of them. Check the web site for the new photos.  If you can’t access the site and want to see pictures, I can print some out for you.

 

Reading sponsor mail with social worker Kibnesh Chala.

     THE ANTI-RETRO-VIRAL MEDICAL TREATMENT IS ALREADY SHOWING RESULTS AMONG THE CHILDREN OF AHOPE ETHIOPIA.  There were many delays, but finally, on September 14, 2005, the ARV medical regime began.    The children that are not yet to the point where the ARV therapy is needed are being monitored closely for any changes and will begin their regimens when the doctors determine that it is appropriate. Some of the results are quite visible as the pesky wart-like growths that indicate AIDS are beginning to disappear.  One youngster, who had been quite disfigured by the “warts”, is emerging as the cutest little boy. Generally, the children already have more energy and less illness.  All the children at AHOPE receive daily antibiotic treatment to keep opportunistic infection at bay.  I met Dr. Sophie, the pediatrician who runs the Barlow Clinic (World Wide Orphans Foundation project).  She is an impressive woman of great skill and compassion.  The AHOPE nurse, Sister Tenna, continues to monitor each child on a day-to-day basis. Our children are receiving the highest standard of medical care. We are blessed to have WWO as a partner in our work, providing medical care to the children of AHOPE. 

     For some, the ARV’s arrived to late to save lives long ravaged by AIDS.  We lost 3 children in September and October, and a child that I saw while visiting the younger children’s AHOPE  compound developed chicken pox during my visit and died on November 11.  We are working to establish counseling services, including grief counseling, for both staff and the children in care.  We are also planning physical therapy, speech therapy and other interventions for children who are challenged by long-term physical effects of the AIDS-facilitated illnesses they have endured.  One older girl is recovering from severe illness that caused neurological damage.  She has a one-on-one full-time attendant to care for her, feed her, encourage her, love her to wellness.  She deserves no less.

 

     SUSAN POISSON-DOLLAR IS OUR NEW DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT.  Susan is the adoptive parent of an Ethiopian child and is experienced, qualified and, most important, dedicated to helping the orphans of Ethiopia.  Susan has been a sponsor since early 2003 and has been involved in fundraising and grant writing for other organizations.  She comes highly recommended by those who have worked with her.  AHOPE for Children is now at a point where we need to achieve financial stability and growth to maintain and develop our program.  Thank you, Susan, for taking on this vital responsibility. Susan may be reached by email at spdfish@nycap.rr.com.

 

     HOLIDAY CARDS/LETTERS FOR THE CHILDREN may be sent to the AHOPE for Children office.  Do not provide contact information on mail to the children.  I will mail those received in mid-December and hope for the best in an unreliable postage system unless I can find someone to hand carry the mail in their luggage. We cannot accept packages or gift items.     If you would like to contribute toward the celebration, the cost will be approximately $20 per child.  This will purchase a set of new clothes, special Ethiopian foods, and at least one gift.

 

WISH LIST

 

A new house.   The younger children have just been moved to the property vacated by AAI’s Layla House on a temporary basis until a place that can accommodate all the AHOPE children can be rented.  It is not just a matter of space; the major problem with renting these villas is that they were designed as private homes so their septic systems simply are not adequate for the needs of so many children.  An architect is drawing up plans and we will launch a building fund drive next years.

Volunteers.  Contact the office for details.

 More sponsors, more donors.  So far, we have not met our financial goals for 2005 and have had to use some of our “cushion” to maintain the project.  Sponsors and monthly donors have been very faithful and are much appreciated.  But we do need more funding sources in order to continue at the present level and to expand.  We have scaled back our anticipated number of children in care by June 2006 to 80.  We had previously hoped to be caring for 120 by then.  We can change the numbers again if we have the money to do so.  Spread the word about AHOPE for Children.  Tell your friends and relatives. If you have connections in the media, or know of potential individual or corporate donors, please get in touch with our office or with Susan Poisson-Dollar.  Give the enclosed brochure to someone—if you want more brochures, just ask.  SPONSORSHIPS AND DONATIONS IN SOMEONE’S HONOR MAKE WONDERFUL AND MEANINGFUL HOLIDAY GIFTS.  SEND YOUR REQUEST AND CHECK TO THE OFFICE AND THE HONORED RECIPIENT WILL RECEIVE A NOTICE OF THE GIFT.

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Thank you so much for your generosity toward the children of AHOPE Ethiopia.  May you have joy in your holiday celebrations and the promise of HOPE in the coming year. 

 

Kathryn Pope Olsen

 

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