Big smiles all around!
Children by their nature have an innocence and curiosity to engage with US volunteers. I wanted to know more about the wonderful mothers and aunties the true backbone of the Selamta Project. These are the women who decide on the home décor, shop, do the menu planning and cooking, cleaning, take care of medical issues and deal with the physical, emotional and spiritual well being for each child under her care along with the transmission of cultural knowledge. Most of the caregivers, like the children, have overcome adversity. Furthermore, Ethiopian women are marginalized members of society with many women victims of domestic violence and rape.
The Selamta mothers and aunties are chosen for their abilities to run a household and for their parenting skills. Before being given the responsibility of taking care of a home they attend trainings to enhance their skills. Most of the mothers are single and in some cases have one or two of their own children with them. Selamta believes in keeping family members together so a single mother will have her child/children under her care. Aunties on the other hand are frequently married and live a bus ride away in the suburbs of Addis. Each day they return to their families.
My favorite day with the mothers was handing out donated clothing and personal care items to them for each of their children. The ladies came to the office knowing exactly the type and sizes of clothing that each of their children would like and wear. I know many of the US donors who had given jeans, jackets and shirts so it was heartwarming to see the mothers leave with so many gifts sent by caring friends. The mothers and aunties beamed with joy as they left with their arms laden with gifts.
