Rebuilding What was Lost

Ermias, his wife Alem, and their three children once lived a content, stable life in their hometown in the Oromia region. But in 2022, conflict shattered their sense of peace, forcing them to flee their hometown in search of safety. With heavy hearts, they left behind everything familiar and resettled in Debre Tabor town, a place more secure, but full of new hardships. 

Though they had escaped physical danger, survival became their daily battle. Ermias, relying on inconsistent daily labor, could barely cover the family’s basic needs. The pressure of being the sole provider wore heavily on him. Every day was a reminder of what he could not offer. Schooling for his children, stability for his wife, and peace of mind for himself. 

A turning point  

In 2023, everything began to shift. The family was welcomed into the Educare project, implemented by SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia. An initiative designed to support vulnerable families through educational support, vocational training, and income-generating opportunities. 

Michael, Ermias’ eldest son was equipped with school supplies, a uniform, and a renewed sense of purpose where he then re-enrolled in school. Initially shy and unsure, he soon began to thrive, motivated by the visible improvements in his family's life. 

Ermias also seized the opportunity. He chose sheep rearing as his path to self-reliance. After receiving targeted training, he was provided with three sheep to launch his small business. His dedication paid off within months; his herd had grown to 10, including five lambs. 

“For the first time since we arrived in Debre Tabor, I could pay rent on time and sleep peacefully at night,” Ermias shared. 

A family effort, a shared victory 

The journey did not stop with Ermias. Inspired by the support and training, Alem also stepped forward. Skilled in preparing traditional local drinks, she started a small-scale business that earned the family 400 ETB a week. Practicing financial habits learned through the project’s training, Alem made it a point to save half of her earnings weekly. 

Ermias joined a savings and credit cooperative organization, saving 100 ETB monthly. To date, he has saved 4,000 ETB and secured a loan of 3,000 ETB to expand his livestock business. 

Together, their efforts enabled the family to branch into a dairy farming venture, now earning them between 10,000 and 15,000 ETB per month. This new income allows them not only to send Michael to school confidently but to also prepare for their younger children’s education journey. 

Michael, once uncertain, is now thriving in school, consistently scoring above average with a 78% grade point. His performance reflects the stability and encouragement now surrounding him at home. 

With the right tools and support, Ermias and his family did more than recover as they rebuilt a stronger, more stable life. Over the past decade, Educare initiatives in Bahir Dar, Debre Tabor, Woldiya, Debre Markos, and Gondar have supported more than 122,000 children and caregivers.

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