Meet Olit

Aged 6, Ethiopia

Olit is the youngest child in the family. She lives with her mum and brother. Her father moved away a few years ago. The family home is a a humble one; a single room mud house, with little by way of furniture or kitchen items. Olit sleeps on a hay mattress on the floor. Olit's mother is doing her best to provide for her family by doing daily labour work but it is difficult to make ends meet and she cannot afford school costs, medical costs or cover their daily needs at times. To help this family, Stand by Me have gladly accepted Olit to be part of the Abdi Academy. With sponsorship support, she can access a good education, nutritious meals, clothing, shoes and health care services. Olit enjoys school so far and loves to study Afan Oromo (local language). She dreams of being a doctor one day. Her favourite colour is red and her favourite game is called 'Shenkello' which she plays with her friends. She is a sociable girl and attends church with her uncle every Sunday and likes to read the Bible. She speaks Afan Oromo very well.

Sponsor Olit from $30 a month

Where Olit lives

Ethiopia is one of the poorest countries in the world. Famine, HIV/Aids and extreme poverty have resulted in millions of orphans and a life of hardship for the majority of its population. Nearly one million children are orphaned as a result of HIV/Aids. A lack of investment in education and a high dependency on child labour has left five million children without access to an education. Educational opportunities for girls are lower than boys as they are expected to do domestic work or marry at an early age.

Our two schools, the Bethany School and the Abdi Academy are today providing the poorest children with a quality education, daily food, health care and family support. Our Children’s Village has two family homes which care for orphaned and at risk children.

How your donation is used

88% of your donation will be used to directly provide the best care possible for Olit. We'll use the remaining 12% to support the work of Stand by Me and find a sponsor for the next child.

What you receive

When you sponsor Olit you will receive a pack in the post with his story and photo. Every year you will receive an update about his/her progress, a new photo and at least one communication from him/her.

Real relationship

We know our kids love to receive your letters and write back so we encourage you to write as many letters as you like, along with photos and birthday gifts to develop a genuine relationship.