Child Sponsorship

When Ruth Tamiru was born in July 2000 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, life was not easy. Her parents separated when she was very young, and from that point on, she was raised by her mother alone.Her mother did all she could to provide, taking on multiple informal jobs just to make ends meet. But living near Merkato, one of the largest open-air markets in Africa and a neighborhood known for its congestion and poverty, meant that even the basics were often out of reach.
At around six years old, Ruth’s life began to change. She was enrolled in ChildFund’s sponsorship program through the Addis Integrated Development Organization. That support became the foundation for a new future.

“School materials, medical care, and school fees – I wouldn’t have had access to any of that without ChildFund,” Ruth says. “Because of this support, I could attend school regularly and stay healthy.”But academic support was just the beginning. Ruth joined life skills training sessions, leadership workshops, peer education groups, and received psychosocial counseling. These experiences helped her grow in confidence, think critically, and build emotional resilience.“All the support I received helped me become a confident and educated girl,” she reflects.
Ruth excelled in school and passed Ethiopia’s national Grade 12 exam, an important milestone that opened the door to university. She went on to study computer science at Dilla University in Southern Ethiopia.

Even while at university, ChildFund continued to walk alongside her. She received transport allowances, a blanket, a school bag, and sanitary pads—ensuring her basic needs were covered so she could concentrate on her studies.
In July 2023, Ruth graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a GPA of 3.7. She also passed the national exit exam with an impressive 72%.
“I am deeply thankful to ChildFund,” Ruth says. “Had it not been for their support, I would not be where I am today.”