Almaz: The Ever-Inspiring Caregiver

Almaz has long been known as a strong and dedicated woman at the SOS Children’s Village Addis Ababa programme location, known for her unwavering commitment to the children in her care. Recently, she took on a remarkable new initiative that would not only benefit her family but also positively impact the wider community within the village.

It all began when Almaz decided to manage a small poultry and gardening operation from her own initiative, using the modest space in her compound. Though working alone, her dedication was evident as she began to provide fresh, home-grown produce for her family, transforming what was once a reliance on external food sources into something sustainable and fulfilling. Her passion for fresh, healthy food grew as she wanted only the best for her children, realizing that the market could not always guarantee the freshness she desired.

Recognizing her drive and the potential of her project, staff members at SOS Children’s Village Addis Ababa programme location facilitated a connection for Almaz with local government officials at the Woreda level. This collaboration provided her with essential support, including poultry stock to expand her efforts. With this, Almaz was able to grow her small garden and take on the added responsibility of raising chickens for eggs, while also raising two small sheep and cultivating Enset, a traditional Ethiopian plant used to make ‘kocho,’ a staple food.

What is truly inspiring about Almaz’s venture is that she managed all of this in a small space within the village, showing that even with limited resources, determination and hard work can yield great results. The poultry operation has become an important source of nutrition for the children, and it serves as an invaluable educational tool. The children not only enjoy fresh eggs but also actively participate in the daily tasks, such as feeding the chickens, cleaning their coops, and collecting eggs. Through these activities, they learn the importance of responsibility, patience, and the rewards of caring for life. Skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.

In addition to the poultry, Almaz’s small garden flourishes with vegetables like cabbage, potatoes, and tomatoes. These vegetables enrich the children's diets with fresh produce and offer valuable lessons about agriculture, patience, and the rewards of nurturing something from the ground up. The surplus from both the poultry and garden is sold within the SOS Children’s Village community, creating an additional income stream to support her work, covering costs like chicken feed, and perhaps one day turning into a thriving business, given Almaz’s determination and resourcefulness.

The impact of Almaz’s efforts is far-reaching. During harvest season, the children enjoy fresh, home-grown meals, which greatly enhance their nutrition. More importantly, through hands-on involvement, the children gain a deeper appreciation for where their food comes from and the hard work behind it.

Almaz’s poultry and gardening project is a shining example of how innovation, dedication, and community support can create lasting change. It is an inspiring model for other families within the Family-Like Care programme (FLC) at SOS Children’s Villages, showing that even the smallest spaces can be transformed into sustainable, thriving sources of nourishment.

*To respect the person's privacy, their real name has not been used.