Meet Tarike
Aged 9, Ethiopia
Tarike lives with her mother and two siblings in a one room house which is not their own. The house is old and has no furniture and no electricity. Living conditions are difficult. They have no clean drinking water and have to get water from the river which is about a ten minute walk away. Tarike's mother is the only bread winner for the family since her father left the family before she was born. She is responsible for all the family's expenses. She is a day labourer and earns a small amount of money when she has the chance to work.
Learning of their situation, Tarike was accepted onto the Stand by Me programme and attends the Abdi Academy, where with sponsorship provision, she has access to a quality education and other support.
Tarike is a lovely and friendly child. Since she started attending she has made many friends and is enjoying school. Her favourite subject is Afaan Oromo (her native language). During her free time, she enjoys playing a local game called 'qoda qodoshe'. When she is older she wants to be a teacher.
Where Tarike 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 Tarike. 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 Tarike 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.
