A Mother’s Burden in a Time of Loss 

Life took a difficult turn for Workinesh after the sudden loss of her husband. She became a single mother of two, carrying the weight of grief while trying to meet her children’s daily needs and keeping a roof over their heads. 

Rising living costs made it harder to provide for her children, and the risk of family separation became more real. Poverty, especially in fragile households, continues to be one of the main reasons children lose the care of their families. 

A home that reflected grief 

In a time of grief, the family home, once a place of comfort, was also slowly falling apart. Built on a slope with no proper foundation or support, the house weakened with each rainy season. The family often slept near the door; in case the walls gave way. “We couldn’t sleep or feel safe,” she recalled. Her daughter, Hareg, also struggled in school, constantly distracted by the fear of their house collapsing as if the loss of her father was not enough for her to handle at such a young age. 

Home and hope rebuilt  

SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia, through its Family Strengthening and Child Development Project, stepped in when the family needed it most. With support from local child protection committees and community workers, their home became a priority. 

The house was nearly taken down and rebuilt using safe, durable materials including cement, strong wood, and iron sheets to protect the family from the harsh weather in Lalibela during the rainy season. 

For the first time in years, the family could sleep peacefully. 

One less worry 

Along with the new home, through the Family Strengthening and Child Development Project Workinesh’s children were provided with school supplies and learning support. With one less thing to worry about, Workinesh could focus on generating a small amount of income enough to care for her children. 

“My children go to school without the fear of coming back home now, and I sleep without worry,” she said. “For a mother, that means everything.” 

 

Helping more families stay together 

In 2024, support from the project enabled the renovation of 20 severely damaged homes. As a result, more than 80 vulnerable families gained access to safer, more dignified living conditions. 

Beyond improving physical spaces, these efforts help reduce the risk of family breakdown, protect children from separation, and give families like Workinesh’s the stability they need to rebuild their lives. 

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