Helping Three Youth Thrive
Leul, Yihun and Berta are three young men who have experienced several ups and downs in their lives, despite their youth. Yihun and Berta both lost their parents at a young age, while Leul lost his dad when his mother was ill and unable to take care of him. The three have had difficult childhoods and have all previously come close to discontinuing their education.
After joining the program at different times, they received holistic care including fulfillment of basic needs, counselling, guidance and educational support. Furthermore, BHE supported the three by finding homes with guardians and foster families.
Due to their guardians being unable to provide them care, BHE helped them in finding safe shelter. Now all three have their own safe homes where they can independently take care of themselves.
Berta is now beginning his second year of college studying ICT Database. He is currently studying from home until class resumes. He enjoys painting in his free time.
Yihun is taking the 8th grade national exam this year. He spends his time preparing for the exam and reading at home. He enjoys socializing and playing basketball with his friends.
Leul is an outstanding student who will be starting 8th grade next year. He is currently studying at home in preparation for the coming school year.
Along with grocery support, BHE connected them with a shared guardian who provides them with injera. The young men had regular meals together to foster their sense of family and support for each other. Due to COVID-19 they now have their meals individually.
Shegitu, who provided the boys injera, is Roha’s mom, a young boy in the program. She is a part of BHE’s income generating activities guardian association and has received a loan to help her improve her small business.
As a result of COVID-19, demand has decreased and she has had to temporarily close her vegetable shop due to reduced customers. supporting the three youth, she also gains income for her family. She now sells incense at her local church to continue her income. By supporting these three youth, she also increases her income, which helps her support her family.
Creating networks of support and innovative ways to maintain income among BHE youth and guardians helps sustain the positive impacts of the project and build a sense of community, despite social distancing. These young students have come a long way and now have bright futures ahead of them.