When Kalkidan (age 9) was sponsored in October 2022, her parents Yigermal and Ezana had lost all hope. An electrical accident at his construction job had severely injured Yigermal. Even after spending 10 months in the hospital, he still could not walk, let alone work. They certainly could not afford physical therapy. Ezana worked long hours as a daily laborer cleaning homes or washing clothes by hand. Their children struggled at school and often went hungry. Stuck at home and helpless, Yigermal became depressed and jealous. He and his wife fought all the time.
When she joined a self-help group, Ezana says, “I felt like the worst, weakest, and poorest person in the world, but seeing others’ struggles showed me that I am not alone, and I have many things to be thankful for. At least, I have the energy to help provide for my family and take care of my husband.” Her group prayed for her and offered advice. They helped her see her husband’s perspective and encouraged her to tell him that she loved him and to share about her day with him. As she followed their advice, his behavior changed, and they stopped fighting.
To supplement her small and unreliable income, Ezana started selling cooking charcoal—until it became too expensive to buy. In August, a sponsor made a small grant available to her to buy supplies for her business. “We were so happy”, she says. “It could not have come at a better time to meet our need. It is wonderful when you have someone who sees and supports the efforts you make.” Since then, her income has increased. She hopes to take a loan from her self- help group to grow her business by selling potatoes.
The food and medical assistance have made a difference in the family too. Ezana says, “My children’s learning has improved. They are more interested in studying because they have food at the house when they come home. It’s harder to study on an empty stomach.” Though Yigermal and Ezana have no religious affiliation, they like that their kids attend Sunday school. “When they come home, they share what they’ve learned with us and pray at home. It’s very good for them to experience spiritual things.”
The family still faces many challenges, but they have come very far in one year. “Now, we have hope”, says Ezana. Her self-help group plans to meet once a month at their house, so that Yigermal will have company. He has continued exercises at home and recently started moving around with a walker. The team is hoping to find a way for him to continue physical therapy.
Child Sponsorship changes the lives of both children and their families! If you or someone you know would like to change a child’s life for $40/month, please contact us at sponsorship@hopeinview.org or go to www.hopeinview.org/sponsorship