Meet Burka
Ethiopia
Burka is an only child, he lives with his mum in a single roomed rented mud house. Burka sleeps on the floor with his mum on top of a worn mattress. They don't have furniture in their house and Burka wears ragged plastic shoes. He only has one set of clothes. As Burka's father passed away due to a thyroid related disease, Burka's mother is the only breadwinner. She sells vegetables in the market and earns the equivalent of £6 a week. This income does not cover all of the family's expenses. Burka now attends the Stand by Me Abdi Academy where he receives two meals a day, healthcare and a life-changing education as well as uniform, clothes, shoes and school resources. Burka is from a Christian family. He is shy and friendly. He seems to be enjoying his education and his favourite subject is learning the alphabet. He loves to play football and the colour yellow.
Where Burka 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 Burka. 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 Burka 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.
