Meet Natinael

Ethiopia

Natinael is an only child. His mother died of illness related to HIV/AIDS when he was still a young baby. His father brought him up until he was five years old but soon after, his father also passed away. With no one to care for him at the age of five, Natinael was left on the street. He lived on the street for two years and earned money by cleaning shoes. A family then offered Natinael a place to sleep. In exchange for 5birr a night he slept on a mat in their house. The family didn't feed him so he would eat left over food from restaurants or not at all. When we heard of Natinael's situation we welcomed him into the care of Stand by Me immediately. We found him a foster family to live with and take care of him. We gave him shoes, clothes, uniform, and all he needs to feel loved and that he has a place to belong. At our school he receives two meals a day, medical care and en excellent education. He loves to take part in class activities and is very sociable. He enjoys playing football and he supports Manchester United. His favourite colour is green. After living for so long without care and support, Natinael sometimes struggles with his behaviour but we hope the love he receives will transform his life. 


Where Natinael 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. 

How your donation is used

92% of your donation will be used to directly provide the best care possible for Natinael . 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 Natinael 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.

Stand by... almost there...