Meet the Children and their Sponsors!

Guy...Rose Polidoro
Getahune...Jane and Lucy Gatanis
Tigest...Lisa Brown
Semira...Irving Karpas
Makdes...Geri Pell
Eden...Madeline and Fernando
Ashi...Ann Carlsen
Shemelis...Lisa Gregorian
Samerawit...JB and Amy Perrette
Kidest...Emily Dalton
Tsige...Rachel Glickman
Betselot...Randi Shatz
Fasil...Saul Pressner and Irving Karpas
Fresew...Candi Dalipe
Meseret...Elizabeth Sherman

The Artists for Charity Children’s Home is designated for the purpose of caring for orphaned children living with HIV/AIDS who have passed the age limit to be accepted elsewhere. With proper attention, medical treatment, and organized care, these children have the chance of becoming productive, happy members of society. However, they require additional help in order to realize their full potential. Without the necessary care and nurturing, an HIV positive child might not even survive 5 years.

All of AFC’s sixteen children are living with HIV/AIDS. The home is a family-like environment where children grow up together, as they would in a 'typical' household. All of the children attend school and receive medical attention, including anti-retroviral treatments. Artists for Charity was founded by a group of young artists who believed they could help children through their art. Not only did they raise the money to create the group home, but now art is an integral part of the childrens' daily lives. Art, music, dance and theater all help to provide the skills and emotional strength needed to stay strong and productive.

The children are activists, raising awareness as they appear in radio shows and TV interviews. They are also writing a book called “Floating Dreams” about their lives and HIV in Ethiopia. One of the children also gave a speech at UNICEF’s 60th Anniversary, held in Addis Ababa.

These children are heroes!