Meet Belaynesh
Ethiopia
Belaynesh lives with her mum and siblings in a one roomed house. There are nine people living in just one room. Belaynesh's father died suddenly when Belaynesh was very young. After his death, his mother had the responsibility of caring for her large family. Belaynesh has five older siblings and one younger sibling. Their mother works hard to earn a living buying and re-selling vegetables to support her children and she is able to send the five older children to the government school. However, she does not earn enough to afford adequate food for her family or to send Belaynesh to school. Belaynesh now attends the Stand by Me Bethany School where she is supported by Stand by Me with two meals a day, healthcare and a life-changing education. She walks to school with her friends every morning and her favourite subject is English. She dreams of becoming a teacher. Belaynesh likes playing hide and seek as well as on the slides and swings.
Where Belaynesh 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 Belaynesh. 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 Belaynesh 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.
