A Loving Home Against the Odds

Behria is a 39-year-old woman known not for what she has, but for what she gives. Those around her speak of her kindness first and her willingness to show up for others, even when she has very little herself. That kindness became much greater when tragedy struck her family. After losing her sister, Behria was faced with a life-altering decision. Her young niece was left without parental care, and without hesitation, Behria took her in. She did not weigh the costs or the difficulties and simply made space in her life and chose to love. 

Struggling to make ends meet 

At the time, Behria’s own circumstances were far from stable. She earned a modest living selling coffee and tea from a small street stall, bringing in between 6,000 and 7,000 ETB each month. It was an income that barely covered daily needs, let alone the added responsibility of raising a child. Yet inside her home, there was warmth, consistency, and care. She made sure her niece felt safe, supported, and deeply loved, even when the future felt uncertain. Still, the strain of providing everything on such limited means was real. Behria knew that love alone, as powerful as it was, needed to be supported by opportunity. While searching for ways to improve her situation, a turning point came through her local administrative association, which connected her to the SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia kinship care programme in Addis Ababa. 

A turning point  

When she joined the programme in late 2024, Behria received structured support and the chance to build a future. Over time, she received not just assistance for her immediate needs, but also training in bakery and pastry making, guidance in managing a small business, and start-up capital of 40,000 ETB that gave her the confidence to try something new. For the first time, she began to imagine a life beyond day-to-day survival. Motivated and determined, Behria launched a small baking business, making cakes and cookies for customers in her community. But like many new beginnings, this one came with challenges. Orders were scarce, and building a customer base proved difficult. Instead of giving up, she reached out again for support, turning to her local Women, Children, and Social Affairs office for guidance. 

That decision opened another door. Through their network, she was introduced to Tiny Totos, where she received training to work as a nanny. What followed was a moment of clarity, drawing on her natural ability to care for children, Behria saw an opportunity that aligned not just with her need for income, but with who she already was. Using the remaining portion of her start-up support, she opened a small daycare from her home. It began modestly, but soon eight children were entrusted to her care. For the first time, her income became steady and predictable.  

Where true intentions bloom 

Behind all her effort was a single, unwavering goal: to give her niece a better life. She wanted her to go to school, to have the things she needed, and to grow up with a sense of security and possibility. Today, that vision has come to life. Her niece is now 18 years old, and their relationship has grown into something deeply rooted in trust and mutual respect. They are not only family, but confidants. In every meaningful way, Behria is her mother. As her daycare business flourished, Behria found the confidence to expand again. She returned to her baking business, hiring someone to help run it alongside her childcare work. What was once a fragile livelihood has become a diversified and stable source of income. Yet beyond financial progress, what defines Behria’s journey is the way her care continues to grow. The love she once extended to one child now reaches many. Her home remains a place where children are safe, nurtured, and seen. 

The reality of kinship care in Ethiopia 

Her story reflects a much wider reality across Ethiopia, where kinship care is deeply rooted in tradition. Families step in for one another, ensuring children are protected and remain connected to their identity and community. But without support, this responsibility can be overwhelming, especially for those already facing economic hardship. SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia is playing a vital role in strengthening these families. By providing financial assistance, training, and community-based support, these programmes help caregivers like Behria not only cope, but thrive ensuring children can grow up in loving, stable homes. 

Today, through the SOS Children’s Village Addis Ababa programme location kinship care programme, 156 caregivers and 180 children are benefiting from this kind of support. Behind each number is a story like Behria’s, one of sacrifice, and transformation.  

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