Meet Debela
Aged 9, Ethiopia
Debela is the second child in his family. His family were living in desperate poverty and so, when Debela was just one year old, they all moved their current town in the hope of earning a better income.
Since then, Debela's father has been working as a daily labourer but he only earns a small income. Debela’s mother bakes bread for people in order to earn some extra money for the family but the family still struggle for their basic needs. They live in a one room rented mud house.
Debela was enrolled at the Stand by Me Bethany School. He loves going to school and he enjoys being with his classmates. At school he receives a free education, medical support and nutritious meals twice a day. Afan Oromo (the local language) is his favourite subject and his ambition is to become a doctor. Football is his favourite game and he likes playing tag with his friends. He is a quiet, well behaved and very kind.
Where Debela 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.
Why Stand by Me?
How your donation is used
92% of your donation will be used to directly provide the best care possible for Debela. 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 Debela 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.
Not sure yet?
Ask us anything. We’ve helped sponsors change 1000s of kids’ lives, and we know it can be a big decision. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
