Kuriftu is the site of the KHC Children's and Integrated Development Centre.

Background of the Project

The project was started in 1988, when the government granted the site near Debre Zeit to the KHC for a children's centre and comprehensive development project.  At that time, it was just a dry crater with a man-filled lake, and was uninhabited.  By 1991, thousands of trees had been planted, utilities had been installed, roads and buildings had been constructed, agricultural and livestock units had been established and the first children were accepted into the home.  

The project now consists of the children's centre, a dairy unit supplying the needs of the children's centre, a poultry unit producing eggs for sale, extensive drip-irrigated fields for vegetable production, fruit trees, a horticultural greenhouse, and an assembly hall and accommodation for up to 200 guests. 

                                               Children's Home/Orphanage/

Since its commencement, the orphanage has been assisting 89 orphans(44 boys & 45 girls). Currently the Children's Centre is home to 57 orphaned teenagers.  In the center,100 Orphaned are on training, 18 are graduates and they are on job. As well as provision for their physical and spiritual needs, they receive education and vocational training so that when they leave, they are self-reliant and able to find work.

The children's home is not accepting new children now, as the KHC has decided to focus on supporting destitute children within their extended family or community, by means of sponsorship

                                                 Integrated Development Project

The farm produces eggs, milk plants and vegetables which are to be the source of food to the orphans and sold both locally and in Addis Ababa.

The project provides employment to local people, demonstrates methods of improving productivity, and also helps to finance the work of the children's home and health Services.

The Kuriftu clinic is now funded entirely by the Kuriftu project, and operates with a very restricted budget.  In addition to the children of the children's centre, it serves the people of the surrounding area which includes 9 PAS & 4 CDAS

Mother and child health care is provided, including family planning, ante-natal care and immunizations.   Additionally, the clinic provides treatment for illnesses and minor injuries.   The common health problems in the area are intestinal parasites, upper respiratory tract infections and malaria.

Patients with more severe injuries or illnesses are referred to the hospital in Debre Zeit.