Three cows in the stable right next to the living room are the reason why Sinidu, 13, and her siblings no longer have to fear hunger: their family is no longer one of the poorest households in the city of Debre Berhan – thanks to our children's project.
"We often didn't have enough to eat in the past," says Sinidu. When parents had to pay the rent, there was no money for food. That's over now. Because Sinidu and her siblings were among the 1,200 poorest children in the city of Debre Berhan, Menschen für Menschen supported the family.
The children received notebooks, pens and school uniforms. Their mother Tewabech Zenebe, 33, learned the basics of economics in a self-help group. Then she got a microloan. She used it to buy her first cow. Now the milk finances everything she needs: clothing, school supplies, food.
Each child is supported individually until the families become financially independent. Social workers visit the families regularly. They give the parents tips on parenting, study with the children, and listen to any concerns. In the event of acute illness, the social workers ensure that the children are examined and given the appropriate medication. The very poorest families receive household goods such as tea kettles, plates, and furniture, such as simple beds, so that the children do not have to sleep on the dirt floor.
"We are rich!" says Engidasew, 11, Sinidu's brother. "Because I can drink as much milk as I want!" Sinidu answers thoughtfully: "Yes, we are rich. But not just because we have cows. But because we are healthy and happy."
WHY WE HELP
School materials are often unaffordable for the poorest families in the city of Debre Berhan, food is not guaranteed and the living conditions in the slums are often inhumane. The children should be given prospects for a better life.
WHAT WE ACHIEVE
- In 2023, 967 children received notebooks, pens and other school supplies. As a result, they no longer drop out of school due to poverty.
- 70 malnourished children received food
- 24 simple apartments for particularly poor families were built in 2023, 66 more are under construction
