A Childhood Marked by Silent Struggles

Mulatu, now 21, did not grow up with the carefree joys most children experience. His home was filled not with laughter, but with illness and exhaustion. Both of his parents were living with HIV, and while they did their best to provide for their family, their strength declined over the years. Their world revolved around daily medications, weakened immune systems, and a constant battle for health.  

As his parents aged and their health worsened, Mulatu found himself stepping into the role of caregiver far earlier than most. By the time he turned 19, the roles had fully reversed: he was the emotional and financial pillar of his family, a reality he had anticipated from a very young age. 

Bearing the weight of stigma and survival 

Living with the shadow of HIV was not just a medical challenge, it was social too. Stigma isolated Mulatu and his family, making access to support or resources difficult and sometimes painful. People whispered. They judged. They turned away. And yet, Mulatu kept going. 

He worked any job he could find, no matter how hard, how low-paying, or how far. Looking after himself was a luxury he could not afford. Every step forward was for his parents, his siblings, his family's dignity. 

A lifeline: the SHASHE project 

Then came a turning point, Mulatu was introduced to the Shashemene Holistic Action for Sustainable Household Empowerment Project (SHASHE), launched in 2023. The project aimed at helping children and youth succeed in life, became more than just an opportunity for Mulatu; it became his second chance. 

Through capacity-building training, youth development workshops, and seed funding, the SHASHE project opened doors Mulatu did not know he could have access to. It was not just about money, it was about being seen, supported, and believed in. 

During these trainings, Mulatu met other young people carrying their own burdens. For the first time, he realized he was not alone. Everyone was fighting a battle, some visible, some hidden. That realization did not make his problems disappear, but it made his spirit stronger. He became a source of support for others, and in turn, found his own support system. 

A craft rekindled 

With the small seed fund, Mulatu made a strategic decision. After careful market research, he chose to invest in furniture-making, purchasing essential carpentry materials to start small. 

This was not a random choice. During his many difficult jobs, Mulatu had once been exposed to the world of craftsmanship. Back then, he had unknowingly fallen in love with the process of creating something from scratch, of building, shaping, and crafting with his hands. 

Now, with creative freedom and his own materials, he was able to return to that forgotten passion, this time as a business owner. 

His commitment to quality and affordability quickly gained attention. Word of mouth spread. Orders increased. And with the steady income, Mulatu could finally afford better healthcare for his parents. His younger siblings now look forward to a life different from his, a future with more hope, more options, and less sorrow. 

The stigma has not completely vanished, but it has begun to change. As the community witnesses Mulatu’s efforts, many who once judged now show empathy, even admiration. 

“I hope that soon I can become someone that gives back to initiatives like the SHASHE project, helping others rise above the circumstances they think will forever define their life.” 

Mulatu 

Launched in 2023, the SHASHE project has been a vital source of empowerment for children, youth, and caregivers in Shashemene town. By 2025, the initiative aims to reach more than 9,000 individuals directly and indirectly. Through skills training, mentorship, and seed funding, SHASHE is helping young people like Mulatu build sustainable livelihoods, foster resilience, and shift their narratives.  

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