The Aerie Africa story actually began more than 10 years ago with an orphan living alone in the streets of Soddo. Mekdes Kelemu, the wife of a local physician, was in town shopping when she noticed a young boy smoking a cigarette and begging for money. She rescued the 6 year-old from the streets, named him “Moses,” and took him to her own home for care. Over time, Mekdes encountered many more children like Moses, and she took 4 more into her home. Knowing she did not have room for all parentless children of Soddo, she envisioned a larger orphanage facility to provide safe and loving care.
In May of 2002, Pam Rundle, CEO of Children’s Cross Connection, International, helped realize Mekdes’ dream by authorizing the establishment of CCC Ethiopia. CCC Ethiopia quickly laid plans to support an orphanage. The early orphanage was a modest rental building with 2 small bedrooms, an outdoor kitchen and toilet, and running water only in the front yard. A director and professional staff members were hired, and the number of resident children rose rapidly to 40. The new family was crowded but secure and happy.
The next milestone occurred when Dr. Romeo Bachand, a pharmaceutical executive and practicing US physician and, launched a capital campaign called Seeds of Hope in 2004. The goal was to generate funds for construction of a new orphanage building with much-needed dormitory-style rooms, study space, a play yard, and a kitchen and bathrooms with running water. Within a year, $100,000 was raised, with thanks to many individual donors and to generous corporate donors as well. By September of 2005, the new facility was a reality.
In the early days, we focused on providing children food and shelter. In the last few years, our mission has evolved to emphasize education and values. While many children in Ethiopia have to drop out of school to help their families by tending vegetable plots and watching the goat herd, all of our children have an opportunity for uninterrupted school and vocational training. We are proud of their academic accomplishments.
In 2008, we started the Aerie Africa-sponsored transition home for graduates of CCC. This home houses our graduates from CCC who are 18 - 22 years old. The young adults are either in school or working at their first jobs. In the transition home, the boys and girls are given more freedom and learn important life skills.
In 2010 we graduated our first three adults from the CCC/Aerie Africa program and in 2011 we graduated 5 more.
