UNICEF estimates that 160 million orphaned youth live in the world today. This figure includes both single and double orphans and those who are abandoned due to poverty and other causes of displacement, such as emergencies, conflict, and natural disasters. Struck by the pandemic grip of HIV/AIDS, the problem in Ethiopia is further perpetuated. Without support and care, many of orphaned and vulnera
ble children are left to the streets, facing extreme vulnerability to the perils of human trafficking, labor and sexual exploitation, gang recruitment, crime, neglect, and even death. With a population of over 77 million in Ethiopia, it is estimated that over 6 percent of the population is represented by one- or two-parent orphans. In July 2004, in response to the rising number of orphaned and vulnerable children living in Ethiopia, Executive Director, Hanna Fanta, opened the doors of Children’s Heaven—dedicating its operation to the goal of improving the lives of orphaned girls who had lost one or both parents to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Too often these girls experience discrimination and exclusion from the community as a result of the prevailing stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. Within the confounds of Children’s Heaven, they are given a safe environment where they can receive the love, security, guidance and provision of basic needs necessary to develop into successful adults. Currently Children’s Heaven supports more than 80 girls through an innovative community placement and sponsorship program and has over 200 girls on a waiting list to enter. Our sponsors and donors are an important part of the Children’s Heaven family. It is through their support that we are able to continue our mission and fulfill our vision—making once far off dreams become a reality for many of our girls at Children’s Heaven. With your continued help, we hope to, one day, see all of our girls lead healthy and productive adult lives.
