This quarter we celebrate our young women graduates Tigist, Sebie, Faven and Lemma, a young graduate with special needs, four students in the BHE program that are graduating from university and high school. Three of them took the 12th grade national exam recently and are awaiting their results.
Tigist is a bright young woman in the BHE program who graduated March 6, 2021 earning her BA degree in Construction Management Engineering. Tigist had a tough journey as she was separated from her dad and lost her mom at a young age. Her aunt supported her with little means of income.
She joined BHE as she was in 12th grade and received holistic support. Tigist is a smart student and benefited from the tutorial sessions, educational, health and psychosocial support at our drop in center. She worked hard and went on to attend her university studies. Tigist graduated after completing 5 years of university study.
“The support from Brave Hearts made me stable and let me dream of something greater. I am thankful for BHE helping me realize my dream. Without it, my life could have been very different, now I have a bright future.”
- Tigist
She always showed gratitude and an interest in giving back to the community. Tigist volunteered at our drop in center and supported the younger children in her summer breaks. She also had a passion for reading books and supported the BHE library in her free time. Tigist is a shining example for the younger kids that hard work and determination will contribute to achieving their dreams. We are very proud of Tigist.
Sebie is one of the three youth in our program graduating from 12th grade high school this year. She is a bright attentive and talented young woman who has overcome many hardships in her childhood. After losing both parents Sebie lived with her aunt. There she had many chores which was a burden for her studies.
They lived in a small house in poor condition. The only community toilet in their area was next to their house and would flood often causing Sebie to be repeatedly ill and not be able to attend school.
After joining BHE, Sebie was able to receive holistic care. Through psychosocial support Sebie who was shy became very confident and sociable. Intervention was made so Sebie had less chores at home and was able to focus on her studies.
Furthermore, upon identifying the source of her repeated illness, BHE quickly went into action of rebuilding the community toilet. Since then, Sebie her aunt and the community have had access to clean toilet facilities. The environment was clean and Sebie no longer had illness that kept her from school. Sebie also developed many close friendships with the other youth at BHE. "I feel safe and at home at Brave Hearts."
At BHE, Sebie also received educational, tutorial and life skills support. She kept growing and progressing. Based on her performance BHE supported her in transferring from a government school to a private school where she may excel her potential.
Sebie also has a talent for stage performance and would often confidently lead and perform in events, drama and celebration with other youth in BHE.
“ I give credit for reaching this point and level of confidence to the activities I participated in during this program.”
Sebie aspires to become a successful lawyer and advocate for women and children in the community. We are very proud and congratulate Sebie on her accomplishment and journey towards a bright future.
Faven graduates from high school and starts her journey towards self reliance. She joined the BHE program in 2014. Faven was a 7th grade student when she joined BHE in 2014. She was just two years old when her parents passed away. Faven’s aunt took care of her after her parents passed. “My aunt had her own children with a little income and fulfilling our basic needs was impossible.” states Faven.
After joining BHE, Faven built her academic skills as well as their self esteem and confidence. Faven expressed “I used to hate myself because I felt hopeless and behind the others, fortunately, I had a close follow up during the tutorial program and improved my educational performance.”
Faven was also very shy when she joined the program, however as she attended group Saturday sessions where she observed lively discussions, her communication began to improve.
“ We have learned to lose our fears; the program has helped us to know our rights, to be more participatory, to have confidence in ourselves and I am very grateful to BHE and the staff for the changes I see in myself.”
Faven enjoys writing poetry. She aspires to study Journalism, she states “being a journalist would allow me to share what I know.” Feeling joy at her progress she expresses “I am reaching the goals I have set for myself. I have changed a lot, sometimes I am even shocked by it. I have more goals now, I am dedicated to my studies and I am aiming towards things that will be good for my well-being.”
Faven’s aunt joined the BHE’s Income Generating Activities (IGA) Association for guardians. Her aunt bakes injera and has successfully grown her small business so it can help them have a sustainable livelihood. BHE is proud of Faven for reaching this milestone.
Lemma completes 12th grade and graduates from high school! He is a young man who had a tough journey as a child living with cerebral palsy and being physically impaired. Lemma had been in an orphanage where he lacked appropriate care. After joining BHE in 2014 he received holistic care including education, health and counseling support. Read about Lemma’s inspiring story here.
Our thanks to all who supported these bright youth through BHE in reaching their success!