These stories, with their ups and downs, is a success story we can all relate to. These are stories that show how, with some resilience and some support, we’ve all got a chance to build a life that we want – and one that can sustain us. You can be a part of this essential support system by sponsoring a child in Ethiopia today.

Habtamu – the self employed youth who is creating jobs

“I lost my father when I was very young. I was just 1 year old at the time. My mother, a small trader, would sell vegetables like red pepper and other food items at the nearby small market to earn a living.
But I was very lucky to be sponsored by ChildFund at the age of 4 years. Sponsorship covered our basic needs including food expenses and buying school materials like uniforms.

As soon as I completed 10th grade, I joined the Lideta Technical School where I learned skills for processing leather and producing leather items. Afterward, I pursued a course in entrepreneurship at a design school. Upon completing the course, I started working with my brother to produce bags, leather belts and jackets.

On seeing the effort we had, ChildFund gave us financial assistance ($ 200) to buy a sewing machine. We also participated in a skills and business training program for youth and women. This propelled my small business to the next level. We started producing quality covers for car seats and mats.It was at this moment that the business began attracting many clients and started to grow. I would make over $200 every week. Because of the demand and business growth, I employed three more workers at the workshop which I still operate from my home.

My mother is my biggest supporter, always cheering me on. And today I am so proud of myself that I can provide for her financially so that she never lacks essential things. I am not seeking employment. I am living my dream as a self-employed youth. My plan now is to rent a workshop so that I can move this business to a bigger space and produce more.

Without the financial and material support from ChildFund, who knows, I could be in the street, like so many other youths struggling to find a decent livelihood,” says Habtamu, 24, from Addis Ababa.Habtamu was supported by Future Hope Integrated Development Organization, a ChildFund Local partner through the child sponsorship program. Through sponsorship, he was supported to pursue his preschool, primary, high school and tertiary education which included start-up capital.”

Ruth – the computer science graduate

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 6 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.”

Sintayehu – the customer service officer

Sintayehu was born in 1999 in Talian Sefer, a small neighborhood in Addis Ababa, into a low-income family. After her father left early in her life, she was raised by her mother and grew up facing economic hardship. “There were days when even meeting our basic needs was difficult,” she recalls.

But things changed when a community volunteer working with ChildFund’s local partners organizations, Addis Ababa Integrated Development Organization, identified Sintayehu as a child in need and helped her enroll in ChildFund’s child sponsorship program. Through this program, she received school supplies, hygiene items, and life skills training.

Samrawit, a program officer who worked closely with sponsored children in the area, remembers her well. “Sintayehu was always eager to learn. The life skills sessions helped her grow in confidence, and we could see her potential,” she says.

Despite the challenges she faced, Sintayehu remained a determined student. When she didn’t pass the Grade 12 National Exam, a major setback in Ethiopia, she didn’t give up. With support from the sponsorship program, she enrolled in a private college and pursued a diploma. “I chose the path that felt right for me,” says Sintayehu. “It wasn’t easy, but I kept going.”

She graduated with a GPA of 3.24 and quickly found work as a customer service officer in a private savings and credit company. After two years, she moved into a new role as an accountant at a private limited company. She’s also back in school, now working toward a bachelor’s degree in Marketing Management.

Samrawit shares her pride in Sintayehu’s achievements. “It’s always inspiring to see a child overcome the odds. She is proof that with the right support, children can break the cycle of poverty.”

Sintayehu agrees. “My family and I are deeply thankful to ChildFund and especially to my sponsor, who transformed my life,” she says. “Their support opened the door to a brighter future, and I am determined to make the most of this opportunity.”

Mewale – the business man from Arada who rose above poverty

Mewale grew up in Arada, a sub-city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in a densely populated community where unemployment is high and infrastructure and sanitation are poor. His mom was unemployed, and his dad earned a little income from petty trade, but it wasn’t enough to support a family of nine.

“Regular meals were rare, and school materials were unaffordable,” Mewale, now 30, says. “I was forced to quit school half of each day and work in hard labor to support the family.”

Then, Mewale’s parents enrolled him with ChildFund, and the tables started to turn. Through ChildFund’s local partner organization in the area, Future Hopes Integrated Development Organization, Mewale had programs and resources he never had access to before.

“Through ChildFund, lunch was provided for students at a center in the community,” he says. “My family got medical refunds and kitchen utensils, blankets and toiletries. Hospitals, fully equipped youth centers and kindergarten schools were also built. I was also a member of the credit and savings association.”

Money was still tight for Mewale, so in 10th grade, he dropped out of school to become a mechanic at a small garage and do shoe repairs in his spare time. When this wasn’t enough, he and his friends left the country to try to make it elsewhere – but this fell through, too.

“After 6 months of suffering and destitution, we decided to return to the motherland,” Mewale says. And they knew just who to turn to for help. “We approached the local partner that we were involved with previously, and ChildFund once again came to our rescue. Through the aid of a grant program, I now have a shop where I rent out musical equipment, tents and furniture for occasions like small weddings and graduations.”