By Catharina van den Bosch | Founder/Director
Berhane came to us as a 17 year old, severly traumatized street child. He used to be a non-problematic child who was taking his studies seriously. Unfortunately everything changed when war broke out. Schools stopped and life was put on hold. Things got worse when shelling hit his area and Berhane was injured in his left upper arm. He was treated for his injuries but pain and recurrent infections remained. He felt that his family was not taking his pain serious and together with all the added war trauma, Berhane became depressed and he started to look for other ways to numb his pain. He slowly became addicted to gambling, drugs and alcohol. All of this raised conflict within his family so he ended up on the streets. But there was still a glimmer of hope inside him to overcome his problems and when he was offered the chance for rehabilitation, he grapped it with both hands.
During the 3 months in rehabilitation he managed to overcome his addictions and deal with his pain and trauma and we managed to restore the relationship with his family. To help him even more, we decided to take him to a hospital to check if there is something that can be done for his arm. The first hospital told him bluntly that it had to be amputated, leaving him devastated. We decided to ask for a second opinion before going ahead with such a life changing operation. The second doctor was confident he could operate it and this happened a few days later, with great success!
He went home 2 days after surgery, as a changed person. He stepped up to help his family, he started selling eggs and has been growing that business since then. He has become a shining example in his area, encouraging other kids to seek help. We have used him as an ambassador for the rehab center, he will come and talk to the kids, encouraging them to be courageous, to overcome their addictions and to make something of their life. As soon as the schools start again he will go back and finish his education.
We are so proud of the kids who manage to work through their problems and who continue to make something of their life.
There are many more kids who are waiting to get a spot in our rehabilitation center!
We thank you for your ongoing support for the children of Tigray!
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