Ethiopian street boys living in a home in Addis Ababa, built and run by 71-year-old Monica Tonna Barthet, will be celebrating their first Christmas at the home on January 7, when Christmas is marked in Ethiopia.

The home, which was opened on June 17 last year, was built by Ms Tonna Barthet with her life savings under the umbrella of the Kebena Kidane Mihret Catholic Church.

Ms Tonna Barthet, who is now settled in Ethiopia, came to Malta to see her family this Christmas but will be back in Ethiopia in time for the Ethiopian Christmas. She said she has now been given a small piece of land next to her home by the Ethiopian government which she intends to use to train "her" boys in agriculture.

The primary objective of the Angels Children's Home is to provide care and support to street children by creating a nurturing environment where they can live together as a family.

The project is providing 17 boys, aged between seven and 14, with food, shelter, clothing and medical support together with psychological support and counselling with a view to giving them the chance to experience love, friendship and discipline.

Ms Tonna Barthet thanked all the Maltese who supported her project, especially people who sent donations unanimously.

Donations to help with the running of the home can be deposited at HSBC Angels Children's Home account 006043020051.

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