Mekdes: A Star in the Making

Mekdes is a shining example of the potential that resides within the young individuals we care for. She is a bright and dedicated 12th grader from SOS Children's Villages in Ethiopia. Her journey showcases how the provision of quality education and academic support provided by our programme locations can create life-changing opportunities.  

Throughout her academic journey, Mekdes has consistently excelled, earning the admiration of both peers and teachers alike. Her ability to balance her studies with extracurricular activities is truly inspiring. As noted by her SOS caregiver, Mekdes has a strong aspiration to pursue higher education and make meaningful contributions to her country's development. 

A pivotal moment in Mekdes's life occurred during a recent school-wide question-and-answer competition. With unwavering confidence, she outperformed her peers, securing the top spot. This remarkable achievement was a testament to her diligent studies and determination. Overwhelmed by her success, Mekdes shared, "I couldn't believe my ears when my teacher announced my win. Scoring the highest in the entire city is a dream come true."  

With the national university entrance exam recently completed, Mekdes eagerly awaits the results. Her ambition to study Agroeconomics remains strong, driven by a desire to contribute to Ethiopia's agricultural growth. To support students like Mekdes who are sitting for national exams, the program location offers comprehensive support throughout the year. This includes on-site and school-based tutorial classes, essential scholastic learning materials, and opportunities for peer-to-peer learning. Dedicated education officers also provide consistent monitoring and guidance to ensure students stay on track.  

Mekdes's story embodies a spirit of hope, inspiring us to continue our work in nurturing the potential of young individuals. For the last 50 years, SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia has been working across the nation providing the most suitable care option for children according to their best interest. There are various forms of care programmes like alternative care, family and community strengthening and youth empowerment among others.  

Our long-standing villages in seven key locations across the country now harbor up to 3,500 children including Mekdes and provide family-like care to children without or at risk of losing parental care. Each village is a vibrant community where children are cared for in homes resembling an autonomous family. Generally, each family comprises of an SOS caregiver and four to seven children living together in one house experiencing familial bond. The children receive individual support, education and training until they are ready to support themselves independently. Growing up, depending on their interest, they partake in different controlled extracurricular activities to strengthen their social interaction skills within or outside the village. We are filled with immense pride to attest that thousands of children and young people have passed through this system over the past 5 decades giving back to the community in social return. 

Today our work extends beyond the physical villages of SOS families. Rather we work on provision of all forms of social development for children, youth, women and people under critical adversities. We work with communities and the government to prevent family breakdown and ensure that children and young people’s rights are met. As such, we provide coaching in parenting and household management skills, access to education and health care services and support their livelihoods. This develops strong social support systems for children and families to grow and learn in a positive supportive environment. 

Everything we do is made possible through the generous support of sponsors and donors, institutional and corporate partners, and loyal friends worldwide. 

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