Twelve years ago, Ayelu was stuck in a difficult situation and had no hope in sight. Her husband had left her, she was raising her niece, Birtukan, and she earned little from her job washing clothes. It was a challenge to provide for herself and Birtukan and to make sure that Birtukan attended school. Then, the sponsorship staff stepped in. Birtukan was put on the waiting list to join the sponsorship program, but even before she was sponsored, the staff did what they could to help. They collected money to pay for Birtukan’s school uniform and checked in on her and Ayelu. Soon, the good news came that Birtukan had a sponsor!
Birtukan’s sponsorship also meant that Ayelu joined a self-help savings group. In these groups, parents or guardians of sponsored children receive encouragement, practical training in parenting, health, and finances, and the opportunity to take out loans to start or expand small businesses. At first, Ayelu was nervous about taking out a loan and starting her own business.
“I was afraid to take a loan and start working. I thought being employed was better because you could have a stable income.”
However, one day Ayelu heard that she wouldn’t be able to wash clothes anymore for one of the businesses that had employed her. She decided to take the leap and start her own business.
There is nothing like having your own business,” she says now. “I am glad I started my petty trade. I bring different seasonal items to sell, such as collards green, potatoes, and other items. Now I say I should have started earlier.”
Birtukan has also benefitted from the sponsorship program. She’s received school supplies, clothes, hygiene items, and lessons in different life skills. She shares some of her favorite memories and her appreciation for her sponsors.
I will never forget the watch Rahel, the program director, gave me for answering a question in Sunday school, the memories I have with my friends from the trips the office facilitated, and the jacket my sponsor brought for me while visiting Ethiopia,” Birtukan says. “I am deeply thankful that I got a sponsor like my sponsor. I love them.”
Ayelu also reflects on how far their family has come. “The sponsorship program didn’t just help Birtukan. It saved both of us. There were days it was difficult for me to put food on a table. After joining the program we received food support, clothes, shoes, retreats, counseling, and home visits.”
Would you like to change a child’s life for $40/month? Visit hopeinview.org/sponsorship to get started.