New beginnings in life are often
difficult. It means that we must turn the pages to a new chapter of our lives,
say goodbye to friends and loved ones, and muster as much strength and courage
to face the uncertainties of what lies ahead. This week I witnessed the
celebration of 16 youth who will move away from the sanctuary of their
orphanage, AHOPE, to a transitional home. In some ways, the celebration marked
not only their geographical move from one space to another, but signified their
transition from kids to young adults.
Preparation for this exciting event
started days in advance. Official invites were sent to honored guests, dignitaries,
partner organizations, and any loved ones close to the youth; the kitchen staff
started cooking days prior, filling the air with smells of sweets, breads, and
cakes and sacrificing a lamb in honor of the occasion; and the young kids at
AHOPE practiced choreography and a short skit as a farewell to their elder
peers. Meanwhile, the youth transitioning out had one full week of training to
help them understand the significance of their move, some of the difficulties
they might face, and how to overcome them.
The culmination of all these
efforts was a touching ceremony attended by many community members. The kids at
AHOPE adorned themselves with their best outfits and welcomed guests with
smiles and hugs. The program included remarks by AHOPE’s executive and program
directors, songs and choreography performed by the young kids, games, and an awards
ceremony to recognize each of the individuals that will move into the
transitional home. As explained by one of the program directors at AHOPE, this
occasion is special because it celebrates a successful future for kids that are
HIV/AIDS positive, some of which would have passed away as infants. The growth
and transition of these 16 youth means that there is hope for future
generations of children with similar situations.
When discussing the transition with
two of the youth, they admitted that they were excited, but nervous at the same
time. “This is the first time that we will move into a community where we will
not know anyone. I hope people will welcome us into the neighborhood,” one
youth commented. Another mentioned that he will miss AHOPE. “I will miss all of
the kids and they will miss us. We grew up together. Now we will only see them
during holidays.” Despite these sentiments, both kids felt ready for their
move. “AHOPE prepared us well psychologically and physically. They held
trainings for us to teach us about everything. They also gave us a guidebook to
use as a resource.” Talking with both of the youth, each was confident that
they were prepared for this new beginning.
The transitional home is the first
facility created by AHOPE to provide further support to youth aging out of care
until they reach the age of 24. Established as a communal living space, the
home will give youth the opportunity to learn together how to live
independently from the orphanage. The youth will be responsible to maintain
this facility, continue with their education, and develop their own daily
routines with the help of an AHOPE mentor. The goal of this transitional house
is to familiarize youth with the various responsibilities associated with
living independently, while maintaining some support from the orphanage. This
will better prepare them for independence once they become 24.
Congratulations to
all of the youth! We wish you the best!
Amharic Word of the Week:
Bayt- Home
Aatifa Sadiq
IOFA Program Development Intern
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