Numan Children's Home
Our History
Numan Children’s Home was founded in 2018 to help fill the gap left when international adoptions came to an end in Ethiopia. What began as a simple goal—to support the children at Numan Orphanage—has grown into something far greater than we ever imagined.
But to understand where we are today, it’s important to start at the beginning.
My name is Lora Bowden, and I was born and raised in Bellingham, Washington. In 2007, I married my husband, Matthew. I entered our marriage with four children—two daughters and two sons. Together, Matt and I felt called to grow our family through adoption, a journey that eventually led us to Ethiopia.
In 2016, we traveled there to legally adopt our twin boys. They were just 18 months old, full of energy and life. During that trip, I met Endale, the founder and executive director of Numan Orphanage in Assela, Ethiopia. At the time, I had no idea how significant that meeting would become in our lives.
Our Programs
Discover the key areas where we are making a difference in the lives of children and communities.
Education First
Empowering children with knowledge
We are currently building a new school that will not only serve the children living at Numan but also the community. The new location of Numan Children’s Home will be in the heart of a beautiful yet impoverished community. Having a nearby school that offers quality education and the opportunity for children to be sponsored will be life-changing. In the future, we hope to start a preschool for both mothers and stay-at-home mothers.
Community Care & Empowering Women
We work to empower women and strengthen their communities by eliminating the obstacles that keep them from their children and by preserving family unity.
Nutrition
Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds
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Proper nutrition is essential for a child's growth and development. At Numan, we provide balanced meals and extend our support to children in our community who may be unsure of their next meal. We assist families in need by supplying essential provisions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we were able to support over 50 families with vital food supplies. Moving forward, we remain committed to providing meals for all the children attending our school.
Stories of Hope
Yabetse's Journey
Location Found: Huruta Countryside
Age at Arrival: 2 months
Date of Birth: January 5, 2014
Yabetse was discovered in a private house in the Huruta countryside. A woman had come to the house asking for food. After the homeowner fed her, the woman placed her baby on the floor and went to the toilet. She did not return.
The homeowner contacted the Huruta Women and Children’s Office and explained what had happened. Fearing for the child’s safety, she told the office, “Take the child away from me; if he stays with me, he will get hurt.” The office then took Yabetse into their care and brought him to Numan Children’s Home.
Yabetse has grown into a very healthy, well-behaved boy. He is friendly, easygoing, and enjoys being part of the Numan family.
Solome's Path
Location Found: Deraa, Ethiopia
Age at Arrival: 2 months old
Date of Birth: January 2017
Solome was found abandoned in a ditch in Deraa, Ethiopia. Her tiny body had been
cut by sticks and stones, and insects had begun to eat at her skin. She was rescued and taken to a hospital in Adama for medical treatment.
Solome arrived at Numan Children’s Home where she received loving care, nourishment, and safety — and slowly began to heal. Although she still carries the physical scars from her early days, her spirit shines brighter than ever.
Today Solome is a quiet and gentle girl who listens attentively and learns quickly. She is very smart and enjoys playing sports. Her life is a beautiful reminder of resilience, love, and the hope that continues to grow through Numan Children’s Home.
Tamer's Story
Location Found: Assella, Ethiopia
Age at Arrival: 25 days old
Date of Birth: July 13, 2015
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Born in a hospital in Assella,weighing less than 1 pound, Tamer's parents believed he would not survive and made the heartbreaking decision to abandon him. The hospital had limited resources and not enough incubators, so Tamer was not considered a priority.
Mesa, moved by his fragile condition, went to the hospital to be with him. She refused to give up. Holding him close to her bare chest, she provided warmth, comfort, and love when he needed it most. Against all odds, Tamer survived.
At 25 days old, he came home to live at Numan Children’s Home, where he continues to grow stronger every day.
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Today, Tamer is healthy, active, and full of life. His story is one of incredible resilience and the power of love. He stands as a living miracle and a daily reminder that hope can bring life where there once was none.
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