Where Families are Empowered Children Dream

At 15 years old, Amelework is now proudly attending Grade 9 at Baira Special School, reserved for the top-performing students in Arba Minch. A cheerful girl with a deep love for school, prayer, and reading the Bible, Amelework today stands as a symbol of hope. But her journey has not been an easy one. 

A childhood marked by instability 

Since her early years, Amelework’s life was marked by hardship. Her family faced financial instability, difficult family ties, and frequent struggles to provide even the most basic needs.  

One moment that left a lasting scar was when she was asked to leave the private school, she used to learn in Grade 4 due to unpaid tuition. “That was the saddest day of my life. I cried all day,” she remembers. After her father’s imprisonment, her mother became the sole provider. Even with a shift to a public school, basics like uniforms and school supplies became a luxury. “I wore the same uniform for over three years,” Amelework says. 

New hopeful beginnings 

Things took a turn when Amelework’s family was identified by the Family and Community Strengthening (FCS) project in Arba Minch, launched by SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia. Through the program, her mother received business training and a start-up capital to begin selling local vegetables. Amelework on the other hand received school supplies and a new uniform which to her, signified stability. “I finally felt equal to my classmates. I knew I could stay in school and finish my education,” she says. 

The support extended beyond what they had expected. Their home was renovated, and both Amelework and her mother received life skills training. This transformed their relationship and communication. “My grades got better, and I even started seeing myself as a future leader,” Amelework shares. Inspired by the training, she would always implement her learnings in her day-to-day activities. Her decision to not take the training lightly led her being elected as Vice President of the Child Parliament in Arba Minch. “I used to be very shy because I already had enough attention from people regarding my family and me. Now, I can speak confidently and without fear,” she adds with pride. 

Big dreams and a brighter future 

Today, Amelework ranks among the top five students in her class and continues her studies with renewed hope. Although the memory of her father’s absence still brings her pain, she finds strength in the progress she and her mother have made together. She dreams of becoming a renowned researcher who solves health challenges in her community. “I want to make a difference where it matters most,” she says with determination. 

About the project 

The Arba Minch FCS project, launched in 2024, is a three-year initiative supporting underserved families like Amelework’s. It aims to empower 992 individuals, including 637 children, while indirectly reaching over 11,000 people. With a holistic approach, the project promotes sustainable child development and family empowerment across the community. 

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