Life in the Gambela region of western Ethiopia is not easy. For girls like Ruth Yemane, it is a daily struggle for stability and dignity. Ruth barely remembers her father. He left when she was little, leaving the full burden of raising her on her mother’s shoulders.
Their family situation is currently critical. Ruth’s mother, a hairdresser by profession, lost her job. In the harsh conditions of Gambela, where there is no social safety net or any parental support such as we know at home, the loss of a job means an immediate threat to basic living needs — including the children’s education.
Don Bosco School: More than just a building
For Ruth, the school run by the Salesians of Don Bosco is more than just a place to learn. It is a space where her life has structure, purpose and, above all, safety. Education is the only real tool that will allow her to secure stable employment in the future and care for both herself and her mother.
Through the Child Adoption in Ethiopia programme, we work to make sure children like Ruth don’t have to drop out of school because of family tragedy or a parent’s unemployment. Especially in the Gambela region, home to thousands of refugees and poor families, continuity of education is critical.
How does Child Adoption work for Ruth in practice?
Thanks to donors from Slovakia, we can give children in similar situations comprehensive support:
– Waiver of school fees: So the child is not excluded from class because of debt.
– Material support: Notebooks, pens and textbooks that the parent currently cannot afford.
– Psychological support: Knowing that someone far away in Europe cares about her education gives the child the strength to cope with difficult conditions at home.
25 euros a month is enough to change a destiny
Your regular support of 25 € a month can work a small miracle in Ruth’s life. This amount covers the cost of quality education and gives her mother the time and space she needs to find new work — without her daughter having to suffer the shame of being unable to pay for school or to buy supplies.
Ruth is ready to learn and change her fate. She just needs someone to hold the classroom door open for her.
