Hope for the Hopeless

                                                        

Hope for the Hopeless is a child development program begun by Pastor Surafel Gebretsadik in 1993 to support the growth and development of street children and orphans in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The program has grown into a non-profit organization managed both in the United States and by local staff in Ethiopia.

The program is comprised of a rescue center for street children, a residential orphanage and long-term foster care homes where hundreds of children can

• Feel safe and secure
• Learn to trust again
• Learn the truth of Jesus Christ
• Receive food and clothing
• Receive education
• Receive basic medical care

We visited both the drop-in center and 1 of the 2 orphanages that are part of Hope for the Hopeless. We were able to provide soccer balls, jump ropes, shoes, fingernail polish, suckers, kindness, love,  and more to these children. 

The Drop-In Center (Street Home)

Located in the capital city of Addis Ababa, the Hope for the Hopeless Drop-In Center serves as a place of short-term safety for the city’s street children. They can receive a shower, a meal, and clean clothes. Some children are motivated to stay and commit to leaving behind the habits learned while living on the streets. At this point they begin the long journey of healing from the grief and trauma they have already experienced in their short lives.

The process of restoration of hope begins in this small facility where they receive counseling, skill development, education, medical care and nurturing in a safe and supportive environment. Orphan status is verified and attempts are made to re-unite the children with extended family. The children begin learning the truth of Jesus Christ through chapel services and devotionals. If reunification with family is unsuccessful, the children will move to the orphanage when they have demonstrated readiness to thrive in that environment. The children usually stay at the drop-in center up three months before being transitioned to one of the orphanages. "God changes the hearts of these children, nothing else can change them" Drop-in center leader. 

Teaching a little football.

There was only one girl at the drop-in center when we were there, so we made her feel extra special with painted toenails and fingernails. She also wanted to paint ours!!

Hope for the Hopeless Orphanage

Once they are transitioned from the drop-in center, they are moved to one of 2 orphanages. They learn to trust and love again with the help of the committed and compassionate staff. The children are enrolled in school and are transported to the nearest educational facility that is taught in their language. They gave us a great tour of their home. We waited for the children to return home for school, and then we interacted with the for quite a while. What a great day to be able to spend time with these children.   

A bit of soccer! 

More painting nails at the orphanage. 

A bit of fun - learning their language by counting, fish faces, hand clapping, hair braiding, push-ups, a visit to the local fire department, frisbee, jump rope, and more!!

One of their beds - complete with his Bible next to his pillow. The bible shown below is written in their language: Amharic. 

 

Before we left. We all gathered in a circle and we prayed for them in English and they prayed for us in Amharic. They also sang us a song in their language. It was about how God is helping them, how He will be helping them in the future, to trust Him, and that with His strength He can do more than we can alone. 

To learn more about Hope for the Hopeless, their website is: 

http://www.hope4hopeless.org