From Street Work to Self-Reliance

At just 19 years old, Bilal carries a responsibility far heavier than his age. Living in Dire Dawa, he has already faced the challenges that push many young people toward life on the streets, family separation, sudden loss of income, and the pressure of becoming “the man of the house” before his youth has fully ended. 

When Bilal’s parents separated, his mother soon lost her domestic work due to the emotional toll of the situation, putting the family’s stability at risk. As the eldest child, Bilal instinctively understood what this meant: his family’s survival now depended on him. He had dreamed of attending college and building a stable future, but failing the Grade 12 national exam closed that door. With no qualifications, no income, and five younger siblings to support, Bilal stood at a crossroads. 

Choosing survival over surrender 

Giving up was never an option. Out of necessity, Bilal turned to the streets, working long hours as a laborer, carrying heavy loads and assisting drivers whenever work was available. The income was small and unreliable, but it was the only way he knew to help his family. Like many children and young people in street situations, this life exposed him to instability, exhaustion, and uncertainty, conditions that often trap young people into cycles of poverty without timely support. 

A turning point 

Bilal’s path changed when he joined SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia’s Reaching Out to Children in the Streets Project in Dire Dawa, supported by SOS Barnebyer and Heimstaden. Designed to support children and youth at risk of street life, the project offered Bilal a chance to build a dignified livelihood. When he learned he could receive short-term vocational training and start-up support, Bilal immediately enrolled and chose tailoring. Alongside training and start-up capital of 8,600 ETB, Bilal brought determination of his own. He sought out experienced tailors in the community, learning from them and refining his skills beyond the classroom. 

“When I watched the elder tailors in the market, their pace, precision, and confidence fascinated me. I aspire to be just as good,” Bilal shares. 

In a city where traditional and custom-made clothing is deeply valued, Bilal immersed himself in the craft, determined to master it. 

Creating stability at home 

After completing his training, Bilal rented a sewing machine and a small workspace. That machine soon became the foundation of a new life for his family. Without his income, his five younger siblings risked dropping out of school. Instead, they now attend classes each day in uniforms Bilal sewed himself, with school materials paid for through his earnings. The impact is especially clear in his younger brother, who often visits the workshop after school. Watching Bilal work, he does not just see a tailor, he sees his role model. 

“I want to be a provider just like you,” the boy says frequently. 

Bilal’s goal has always been to ensure his siblings never face the same struggles. As his mother continues to recover, Bilal provides not only financially, but emotionally, offering stability, guidance, and hope.

“I work this hard so they can focus on their education,” Bilal says. “I want them to become people who contribute to our community, not wait for help.” 

Resilience beyond setbacks 

Bilal’s journey was not without setbacks. He lost both his rented workspace and sewing machine at once, an experience that could have ended everything. Instead, he adapted. Using his savings, he repaired a second-hand machine provided through the project’s partnership with the Forum on Sustainable Child Development. When city corridor initiatives later forced the closure of his next shop, he relocated again, securing a more visible and legal space despite higher costs. Each challenge strengthened his resilience and business skills. 

Today, Bilal is no longer waiting on the roadside for daily labor. He is a business owner, a role model, and a young man shaping his future. His dream has grown beyond survival; he now hopes to become a fashion designer and create jobs for other young people. 

About the project 

Bilal’s story reflects the impact of the Reaching Out to Children in the Streets Project, implemented from 2022 to 2026. The project aims to reach 9,000 children and young people across Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa, and Adama by addressing the root causes of street involvement through family-based care, education, and economic empowerment, supporting children and youth to move toward safety, dignity, and lasting opportunity. 

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