A Journey That Rose Above the Streets

Ethiopia faces a growing challenge with children living in street situations. While there is no single cause, a combination of poverty, family breakdown, limited access to education, and social instability pushes many children onto the streets. The issue is especially seen in cities like Addis Ababa, Adama, Dire Dawa, Bahir Dar, Mekele, and Hawassa. 

A mother’s struggle 

In the city of Adama, Tsege, a dedicated mother of one, found herself caught in this harsh reality. Though she worked at a small shop, her income was not enough to support her and her young son, Samson. After separating from her husband, Tsege could no longer count on any additional support. Eventually, the two ended up living on the streets, and Samson was forced to drop out of school. 

Despite the circumstances, Tsege never gave up. Her resilience, work ethic, and love for her child remained unshaken. But hope felt distant, until a chance encounter changed everything. 

The awaited chance encounter  

Tsege’s turning point came when she met the outreach team from SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia through the Children in Street Situations (CiSS) Project. This initiative, launched in 2022, works to support families like Tsege’s by tackling the root causes that lead children into street life. The project provides access to family strengthening, education, life skills training, and economic empowerment, all aimed at reintegrating children into safe and nurturing environments. 

Through the project, Tsege received business skills training, and a start-up capital to launch her own small shop. Meanwhile, her son Samson received the support he needed to return to school with all the necessary learning materials. 

A leap of faith  

With the grant, Tsege rented a small kiosk and began selling everyday household goods. She worked tirelessly, staying open late and pushing through exhaustion, determined to lift her son out of street life. Her hard work quickly bore fruit. 

Tsege not only covered her living expenses but began growing her business. She learned how to manage her income, save consistently, and reinvest in her shop. From having no income at all, she raised her shop’s capital to an impressive 60,000 ETB. 

Today, Tsege is part of a local savings group, contributing 500 ETB regularly to an ekub (community-based savings scheme). She continues to expand her business and build a better future, not just for herself, but especially for Samson, who is now back in school and thriving. 

While the CiSS project provided tools and opportunities, Tsege’s courage, discipline, and love were the driving force behind her success. She is a heroic mother whose strength transformed a life of hardship into one of possibility. 

About the project 

The Children in Street Situations (CiSS) Project, running from 2022 to 2026, aims to reach 9,000 children across Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa, and Adama. By focusing on family-based care, education, and economic empowerment, it supports children and families to break the cycle of poverty and build lasting change. 

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