Meet Biniam

Aged 9, Ethiopia

Biniam's father left the family some time ago, leaving their mother to care for her boys. Two of her older boys she sent to live with relatives and Biniam and his younger brother live with her in a rented one room mud house.

They have one bed to share. Biniam is a helpful son to her as he does like to help with the chores at home. Biniam’s mother works buying and reselling charcoal in the local market but she makes very little money. Her wages are hardly enough to provide food for the family so she cannot send Biniam to school.  

Due to their situation Stand by Me accepted Biniam into the Bethany School so he can now receive fresh meals, education and medical treatment. He enjoys playing football, skipping and hide and seek with his friends. He is from a Christian family and so they regularly attend church. He is part of the children’s choir there.

Where Biniam 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

92% of your donation will be used to directly provide the best care possible for Biniam. We’ll use the remaining 8% to support the work of Stand by Me and find a sponsor for the next child.

What you receive

When you sponsor Biniam 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.

Stand by... almost there...