Ethiopia
– December 16 2024
From abandoned to unconditionally loved: Two girls in Ethiopia find loving homes
During her morning commute in Jimma, Ethiopia, Elfi heard a sound that stopped her in her tracks: the faint yet unmistakable cry of a newborn baby.
While others rushed past her and noisy morning traffic roared in the distance, Elfi couldn’t ignore the heart-wrenching little cries. She followed the sound and found a tiny baby girl, swaddled in clothes and abandoned on the side of the road.
Cradling the one-month-old baby in her arms, she went to the police station. But when authorities couldn’t locate the little girl’s relatives, they asked Elfi a question that would change her and her husband’s lives: Would you foster this baby?
Although she and her husband had raised four biological sons and thought their parenting days were behind them, they couldn’t fathom turning the little girl away.
They named her Saniya* and welcomed her into their home—and their hearts.
After embracing Saniya with loving arms, the couple joined SOS Children’s Villages’ family strengthening program. In Jimma, this initiative equips more than 100 foster parents like Elfi with financial support, medical care, parenting courses and other resources they need to give children a safe, nurturing home and the promise of a brighter future.
“The training is incredibly important,” Elfi said. “I’ve learned the importance of bonding over shared meals and that my attitude affects my children. It’s important to welcome them with a smile and a hug.”
Elfi and her husband chose to adopt Saniya, but the family’s story of unwavering love didn’t end there.
Without the foundation of a safe, loving family, children can't grow into a happy, healthy child ready to reach their full potential. They need your continued support to have a safe, nurturing home, nutritious food, quality education and everything else they need to thrive. Your generosity today is life-changing for the world's most vulnerable children.
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Seven years later, while visiting a friend in the hospital, Elfi heard another cry—a haunting echo of the day she found Saniya. And following the sound, she again discovered a newborn baby girl, abandoned and alone. Authorities couldn’t locate any family members, so Elfi and her husband again opened their arms, giving the newborn baby a safe home, loving family and a name—Yohanna*.
Today, Saniya, now 14 years old, speaks of her mother’s dedicated love and care.
“She understands me,” Saniya said. “She’s open to talking about everything. When I have problems or joys, I share them with her.”
Because of compassionate and generous friends like you, Saniya and Yohanna are growing up in a safe home and loving family with all the resources they need to thrive.
But, while Elfi found Saniya and Yohanna, millions of children are never discovered by a loving caregiver.
This holiday season, many children remain alone—scared, vulnerable and in constant danger. They are crying out for someone to notice them, to save them, to love them. They deserve the safety of a home, the warmth of a family and the chance to heal and grow into a happy, healthy child.
Will you be the one to answer their cry?
Your charitable, year-end gift can transform a child’s life. Your donation, sponsorship or life-changing gift from our Gift Shop can provide what every child craves and deserves: the love and stability of a family.
Time is slowly running out to make your impact in 2024.
Will you give a tax-deductible gift before midnight on December 31 to ensure no child is left alone and unloved this holiday season?
Because love matters.
*Children’s names changed to protect privacy.