Meet Hacalu
Ethiopia
Hacalu lives with his mum, dad and three siblings in a rented mud house in Dembi Dollo. They don't have a bed so Hacalu sleeps on the floor with his siblings underneath an animal skin to keep them warm. They live in poor conditions with very little furniture and no access to running water. To get clean water the family buy water from others in the neighbourhood or collect it from a local well. Hacalu's father is in bad health and is bedridden. His mum works washing clothes for others, earning the equivalent of £6 per week. As she is the only breadwinner, this income isn't enough and often the family go without eating, often only eating one meal a day. Hacalu now attends the Abdi Academy where he is supported by Stand by Me with a free life-changing education as well as two meals a day, healthcare, uniform, shoes and the care he needs to thrive. Hacalu enjoys school and loves learning the alphabet and numbers. He loves to meet new people and when he grows up he would like to be a teacher.
Where Hacalu 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 Hacalu. 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 Hacalu 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.
