An Unlikely Family PDF Print E-mail
On December 16, An Unlikely Family; Voices of Ethiopian and American youth who are turning tragedy into hope, will be released at the Dartmouth Bookstore. The book gives voice to the children who have lost their parents as a result of the AIDS pandemic in Ethiopia and who are now part of the Selamta Family Project in Addis Ababa. They are but a few of the more than a million orphans in Ethiopia alone, but they have some extraordinary stories to tell. Through photographs and their comments, along with the reflections of some American students from the Upper Valley who have bonded with them in Ethiopia, An Unlikely Family puts readers directly into their world to experience the heart-wrenching despair they have faced, the extraordinary challenges they have overcome, and the remarkable love they have found in their new families. It is a vivid description of hope and survival.

The young people in Ethiopia would like some help to get the word out about the level of crisis that orphans face on the streets, and the desperate need for more places like Selamta. The remarkable optimism, tenacity and bravery of the children of Selamta have inspired many and we are proud to help make their voices heard. Through a grant from the local Byrne Foundation and the efforts of many people, An Unlikely Family, begins to tell their story.

The Dartmouth Bookstore has generously agreed to host the Book Launching Reception and to contribute 100% of the purchase price of the books bought at that event to benefit the children of Selamta. Each book purchased will feed a child in Ethiopia for a month.

Below are a few excerpts from An Unlikely Family:

“When my mother and father died, there was conflict in my family. There wasn’t anyone to help me. My relatives took my sisters because they were younger, but they wouldn’t take me. I knew I needed to find a way to be reunited with my sisters.”

—Fitsum, age 16 (Ethiopia)

“When I left the United States for Ethiopia, I had no idea what to expect...I soon discovered that the foundation of the Selamta Family Project was a view of family based on the love they shared rather than the DNA in their blood.”

—Christopher, age 18 (USA)

“When I cry and someone holds me, I feel loved. When I need help, and someone helps me, I feel loved.”

—Hailu, age 7 (Ethiopia)

“At Selamta, I saw first hand the power of family to cultivate both love and happiness.”

—Zoe, age 21 (USA)

For more information, contact Annemarie Linnehan, Program Director, Human Capital Foundation, 205 Billings Farm Road, 3A, White River Junction, VT 05001, 802-299-2220.