When Yimegnushal should have been thinking about school, she was thinking about whether her family would be okay. Her mother, Belaynesh, was doing everything she could. Living in Arba Minch with three children and an unpredictable household income, she stretched every bit of income as far as it could go. Some days there
was enough food, and some days there wasn’t. Worry became part of their daily life. Yet the greatest threat to the family wasn’t a lack of love, but a lack of support.
When Belaynesh connected with a family and community strengthening programme run by SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia, she received business training, parenting support, and access to savings opportunities. Her children also received educational support and life skills training. With her first loan, Belaynesh invested in an injera-selling business that now provides a stable income for her family. The result was not just a stronger livelihood but also a stronger family.
For many people, SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia is known for providing care to children who have lost parental care or are at risk of losing it. But experience has shown that when families receive support early enough, many separations caused by financial hardship, crisis, illness, or a lack of support can be prevented.
That is why an increasing part of SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia’s work focuses on strengthening families and communities before they reach a breaking point.
Because the best way to help a child is not always by finding them a new home.
Sometimes, it is making sure they never have to leave the one they already have.
Contact: +251 116611655
