A Child’s Courage Too Heavy for Their Years

When 9-year-old Lielt arrived at SOS Children’s Village Mekelle programme location, she came with only fragments of her identity. She had just lost her mother, the only parent she had. Her death, though due to illness, happened in the midst of the Tigray war (2020 to 2022),  a time when fear, hunger, and gunfire filled every day. 

The wounds of war 

With no family able to care for her, Lielt was referred to SOS Children’s Village Mekelle programme location in 2021 by a group of kind individuals who served at St. Michael’s Church in Mekelle, where her mother had often gone for holy water. Her earliest memory of the village is being gently welcomed by caregivers who made sure not to overwhelm her. After a short stay at the guesthouse, she was embraced into a family home under the care of Amelewerk, who she now calls “mama Amelewerk”. But the scars of conflict ran deep. Lielt cried often, suffered from headaches, and struggled to speak. Her silence masked the emotional burden she carried. 

“War makes us feel bad. I was very sad back then. I remained silent all the time. I didn’t like talking to anyone. I cried a lot and had headaches.” 

Healing through care and creativity 

Lielt’s journey toward healing began when she became part of the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) project, implemented by SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia with support from SOS-Kinderdörfer weltweit. This programme was designed not just for children, but also for caregivers, staff members and their dependents, Hermann Gmeiner School community, youth, care leavers, and the surrounding community. It included one-on-one counselling, trauma-focused play therapy, team up activities, group problem management, and weekend events, each designed to create safe, joyful, and healing experiences. 

“When we started visiting amusement parks, making group drawings, and playing games, it was the first time in a long time I truly laughed and felt joy again.” 

What seemed like play to little Lielt was actually therapy. Music replaced the sound of gunfire. Drawing gave Lielt a way to express emotions too heavy for words. 

Trust, love, and transformation 

Today, Lielt is thriving in school, in her hobbies, and in her personal growth. Her journey shows that with the right care, support, and opportunities, healing is possible. Children don’t just “forget” trauma; they need to be seen, supported, and understood.  

"She came to us broken and fragile but today, her smile is back. That is all I’ve ever wanted to see," shares Amelewerk.  

About the project  

Launched in 2024, the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) project was developed in response to the war in Tigray that displaced thousands of families and left communities deeply traumatized. To address the psychological and emotional toll of the war, SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia is providing critical mental health and psychosocial support services in Mekelle. 

The project not only supports displaced and affected community members but also recognizes that children, youth, school staff, and employees themselves have experienced trauma and need structured pathways to healing. 

It aims to directly support 1,670 individuals, including children, youth, care leavers, students and teachers at SOS Hermann Gmeiner School, and SOS Children’s Village Mekelle programme location staff and their dependents through group-based therapy, trauma-informed training, and individual counseling. An additional 5,422 community members will benefit indirectly, helping to rebuild a stronger, more resilient community. 

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