Meet Birhanu
Aged 10, Ethiopia
Birhanu lives with his parents in a two roomed rented home. Birhanu has two older sisters and one older brother. With six people living in two small rooms, it is a difficult living environment. Both of Birhanu’s parents work as daily labourers in the town. However, even though they work very hard, they are not earning enough to feed all the children or send them to school. Only Birhanu's older siblings could afford to go to the government school. They had no beds in their home and slept on a mattress made of grass.
Stand by Me gave Birhanu the chance to join the Stand by Me Bethany School. Birhanu walks to school with his classmates early in the morning, it takes him half an hour. His favourite subject is English and he hopes to be an English teacher one day. He likes playing football with his friends. He is from a Christian family background and goes to church every Sunday. Birhanu's favourite colour is green.
Where Birhanu 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 Birhanu. 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 Birhanu 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.
