AHOPE Children's Village

Some of the children at AHOPE (Photo found here)



I was perusing the world wide web, and decided to check in on the AHOPE website. And I'm so glad I did, because there was some really exciting news. AHOPE is trying to raise $1.5 million this year for their building fund as they work towards building the AHOPE Children's Village. Here is what they are hoping to build:

"The plans include 16 cottages where children will live family style with house parents, 6 transitional homes designed for older teens and young adults who are being prepared to enter adult society, administrative buildings, library, clinic with isolation rooms, classrooms and an auditorium for events, including community events. We hope to obtain land from the Ethiopian government and will build as the money comes in. This project is a real stretch for our organization but the need is very great and we know how to do what needs to be done. Please spread the word and help us provide a wonderful facility for the HIV orphans of Ethiopia." (AHOPE Children's Village 07/2007 Update)

What a perfect, exciting time to be working towards supporting them financially. I love their vision so, so much. There are so many huge organizations that are working towards fighting HIV and AIDS -- trying to stop this epidemic from spreading, trying to treat those who are already infected -- and I think that is absolutely, unequivocally crucial. But I love so much that AHOPE is taking one area, one need, and seeing what can grow from that. If the children who are sick can become strong, if they can be nurtured and educated and loved, if the community around them can begin to break down stereotypes and the wealth of misinformation that is plaguing the AIDS crisis right now in Africa -- think what can come of that! What changes can be made when children are not merely labeled "orphaned" or "sick" and tossed aside -- but are allowed the freedom to grow and learn and then become leaders in their communities? I feel so blessed to be even the tiniest part of it.

Click here for more information on the AHOPE Children's Village as well other fundraising events. Keep A Child Alive also contributes financially to AHOPE, as well as to the Barlow Clinic which oversees the prescription and administration of ARVs to the children of AHOPE.

May you be blessed.

xo,
Amy