We are excited to publish Romi’s first blog post in which she talks about her volunteer work at Sele Enat Mahiber orphanage. Sele Enat is located about 15 minutes from the campus of Hope College.
Since we came to Addis Ababa, my mom and I have been volunteering at the Sele Enat orphanage. Every morning we go to the orphanage at 9:30 am and come back to our apartment around 12:30 pm. I help the nannies and play with the kids that are from 1 – 2 years old. Once they are done playing, I help feed them lunch and then it is nap time.
The assistant director’s name is Zelalem. He is a very nice man. He cares a lot for the children in the orphanage and so do the nannies.
I go to Sele Enat because I once lived there for four months when it was called Layla House and before my mom and dad came to pick me up. I want to help out and I like being there with the kids. They are all so cute! Two of them that I know of are being adopted soon. One of the baby boys fell asleep on my lap while I was taking care of him. That was nice!
I feel happy and helpful to the nannies at Sele Enat. I feel happy because not many volunteers come so I know my help is needed. This has been a good experience for me and I am so happy I can help this organization.
Footnote:
The words Sele Enat Mahiber translate into “in place of (Sele) mother (Enat) association (Mahiber)”. Sele Enat is a local NGO founded in 2002 The organization currently cares for 64 children ages birth to 17 at the orphanage and in an off-site group foster home.
They also operate income generation, child sponsorship, and family reunification programs in Addis and southern Ethiopia. To learn more about this wonderful organization, please check out their Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sele-Enat-Mahiber/135866289780368
At the entrance of Sele Enat
The playroom where Romi volunteers
Caleb joined Romi one day to play with the older kids
Sorchia/ Donovan/ Erin – The babies are cute! Do you know how many there are?
Sol – Can you tell us some of the kids names?
Amina – What games do you play with the 1 and 2 year olds?
Isaiah – What kind of food do they have at the orphanage?
Keeran – Do the kids watch T.V. like Spongebob?
Daniela – It is really nice of you to help out the younger kids!
Tobin – I hope you are having fun playing with the kids!
Senay – What is the dogs name in the picture?
From the whole class – We miss you and we hope you keep taking pictures and writing posts on your blog!!!
The children in the orphanage are very lucky to have a great volunteer in Romi! Thanks for this post Romi.
Luv ya
Aunt Leah
Romi, thank you for writing! I loved hearing everything you are doing at Sele Enat. I think you look like a big sister in the photos. :). You are certainly busy there playing with the kids and helping out. I’m really happy for you, and know that all the love you are giving the kids are making them as happy as you feel to be there. Please write again because I love hearing about what you are doing!
Romi, those kids look as cute as you did when we first met you! What a wonderful thing you’re doing. They’re so lucky to have you and your mom!
You’re all grown up! So happy! How awesome to be able to experience and return to some place significant in your life. Enjoy this special opportunity! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much for volunteering and sharing your experience! Sounds like a positive experience for you.