News from Ethiopia

Orphaned and roaming the streets of Dembi Dollo at five years old, Natinael had a life of hardship that no child should ever experience. We could not walk past him, we had to intervene and thanks to Natinael’s sponsor we are now meeting all his needs.

In Bekoji, a big step for Stand by Me was opening an ICT lab, the first of its kind in Bekoji where electricity supply is often unreliable. The computer lab is in full use for students of all ages and the children are delighted to gain practical experience with technology. 

In Bekoji we welcomed 13 families onto our Income Generating Programme, these families are the most needy but also have the strongest desire and ability to work to provide a sustainable income to support their families.

Sometimes I have the stupidest great ideas. But there was no going back, I had decided, I’d spend the month of February sleeping on the floor to raise money for beds.

Grace is one of our kids. She was handed to us in a bundle of rags by a policewoman. But her name wasn't Grace then, in fact, she didn't have a name at all. 

Natinael, age 11, lives in Dembi Dollo in Ethiopia, his story breaks our hearts but thankfully ends in hope. Natinael’s mother was HIV positive and when he was just a young baby, she sadly passed away due to complications from AIDS.

Last year our grade 8 students took their regional exams. It is always a proud moment when we see children who we have given a helping hand, rise out of terrible circumstances and reach a significant point in their education.

The HIV Food Programme is a unique plan for children and their family members living with HIV. Sena’s mother Kumashi tells us how the support of the HIV Food Programme has improved her family’s health and given them hope.