Redefining Fatherhood

In some communities, traditional roles shape family dynamics in deep and lasting ways. Fathers are expected to lead, earn, and provide, while mothers carry the full weight of caregiving and household responsibilities. This division, rarely questioned, leaves little room for shared roles or mutual understanding, and often hides struggles in plain sight. 

Kebede and his wife lived by these norms. He took on whatever work he could find, daily labor, odd jobs, anything to bring home a modest income. His wife, meanwhile, stayed home to care for their two boys, manage the household, and hold the emotional weight of the family. Their life was not easy, but they were thankful. They never complained, even when money was tight. What Kebede lacked in financial stability, he made up for in gratitude, comforted by the unwavering support of his wife. 

Silent suffering 

At 41 years old, Kebede’s firm gratitude for life was in question. His wife, who had silently endured suffering that Kebede never saw coming, passed away unexpectedly. In an instant, he was left not only heartbroken but completely alone with emotions he could not process. He began to realize he had nothing to give his two young sons, no assets, no savings, no land, and no secure income.  

Roles reversed and life relearned 

Suddenly, Kebede had to take on roles he had never imagined for himself. Caregiving had always been considered a woman’s duty where he grew up. Cooking, cleaning, ensuring the children’s health and emotional well-being. These tasks were foreign to him. His initial responsibility grew much more, and survival became a daily battle. Meals grew scarce. His sons grew quiet, slipping into malnutrition, their confidence fading as they dropped out of school. Kebede, who had once focused all his energy on being a provider, now had no roadmap. He worked tirelessly at whatever daily labor jobs he could find, barely earning enough to feed his children. And though his heart ached, he masked his emotions, not wanting his boys to see his fear. 

Light where shadow overpowered  

Everything began to shift when Kebede came into contact with SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia through the Action for Bushulo Child Development and Family Empowerment (ABCD) phase II project. What began as a support program turned into a life-altering journey, not just for Kebede, but for his entire family. Beyond financial support, Kebede received comprehensive training that was soon to change the way he understood both fatherhood and livelihood. He learned about parenting, nutrition, hygiene, financial literacy, livestock rearing, and business management. Slowly, he started to see a new version of himself, one capable of both providing and nurturing. 

Harvesting a better tomorrow  

Motivated by the training, Kebede developed a strong interest in agriculture and livestock. He received a 15,000 ETB start-up grant, along with a water pump and agricultural inputs to get him started. He also joined a local Saving and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO), where he began saving regularly and eventually accessed a loan of 10,000 ETB. This marked the beginning of a new chapter.  

His agricultural business began to grow. With diversified crops like pepper, maize, cabbage, and carrots, and livestock to supplement the income, Kebede transitioned from earning 2,000 ETB a month in unstable labor to nearly 12,000 ETB through steady agribusiness and petty trade. His family now had food on the table, and most importantly hope. 

Healing through connection 

But perhaps the most powerful transformation happened at home. The parenting workshops helped Kebede reconnect with his sons, not just as a provider, but as a father they could talk to, trust, and look up to. He began to feed them nutritious meals, help with school, and create an environment of safety and love, something he had never believed he could offer on his own. In time, the family’s wounds began to heal. His sons, once withdrawn and uncertain, found their footing again. They returned to school with new uniforms, supplies, and renewed confidence. Their teachers noticed. Kebede noticed. And for the first time, he became not just their father, but their biggest cheerleader. 

As the home healed, so did Kebede. He found companionship again and remarried. His new wife brought warmth, compassion, and a sense of shared responsibility. Together, they became partners in both parenting and building a future. Kebede’s drive continues, he plans to expand his farming, save more through SACCO, and invest even further in his children’s education. 

When asked to reflect on his journey, Kebede’s words are filled with gratitude: 

“The support I received brought light into my life when I was in complete darkness.” 

About the ABCD project  

The Action for Bushulo Child Development and Family Empowerment (ABCD) phase II project, implemented by SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia, is a community-based initiative working in the Bushulo area of Hawassa. 

The project directly supports 1,950 children, 200 youth, and 540 caregivers, with the goal of creating a safe, nurturing environment where children can grow up protected, educated, healthy, and empowered. By strengthening families and improving youth opportunities through education, skills training, and economic support, the project builds a foundation for long-term community resilience. 

In addition to those directly reached, an estimated 7,800 children, 800 youth, and 2,160 caregivers are expected to benefit indirectly from the wider impact of the project’s interventions.

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