Quality Education for Orphan & Vulnerable Children

This quarter brought the end of the academic year for 40 of 48 children and youth under our program, with 22 of them in primary, 9 of them in secondary school and 9 of them in higher education. The children and youth had several milestones this year as 11 students took the Ethiopian National Exams. Out of these, 6 took the 8th grade national exams, 4 took the 10th grade national exams and 1 took the 12th grade national high school exit exam. In higher education, 5 completed their first years while 4 of them are completing their degree programs.

BHE provides daily tutorial sessions for primary and secondary students after school. This supports them in their studies in key subjects that they may need additional support in. Students also receive healthy after school snacks before tutorials so they are energized for their studies. Tutors provide extra support to children who are taking the national exams so they succeed.

Berta is one of the youth who took the 12th grade national exams. He is a brilliant young man who has excelled in his studies despite all the challenges he faced in his young life. Having lost both parents, Berta was raised by his grandmother. After joining the program, Berta was able to overcome his challenges with counseling and guidance provided by BHE. His performance was high and he was able to explore his innovation and artistic talents. Many of his beautiful paintings hang in BHE’s drop in center.

Biruh completed his first year of university in the field of Good Governance this year. Biruh is a wonderful special needs youth who has visual impairment. He also is a double orphan and nearly ended up on the street because he had no support. After joining BHE, Biruh received holistic support including educational, health, nutrition, counseling and guidance. BHE supported him in entering a school for the visually impaired with support for his special needs. He successfully completed his high school education and entered university making BHE proud. Biruh, like Berta, is a shining example for the younger children in our program.

Bogalech and Dawit are two youth who have successfully completed their degree programs and will graduate from university. Both double orphans, they have come a long way since joining BHE. Bogalech will graduate with a B.A. in Accounting and Dawit will graduate with a B.Sc in Water Engineering and Irrigation. Both are exemplary of achieving potential given the access to opportunities and make BHE very proud.

From primary school to higher education, BHE works hard to ensure orphan and vulnerable children receive the holistic support they need and achieve their dreams to live the lives they deserve. Thank you for supporting our program and helping these bright children and youth thrive!

Links:

• Visit our website
• Subscribe to our blog
• Watch a 5 minute clip on our program

_{We believe children have a right to survive, thrive, and recognize and fulfill their highest potential, to the benefit not just themselves but to their communities, country and the world at large. Delivering the desired results for every child is BHE’s main aim. Working at Brave Hearts is extremely rewarding on many levels, particularly seeing the children strive to accomplish their dreams. Despite the pain and loss they have suffered, the children’s, curiosity, passion, smiles, laughs and dreams makes working with, and being around the children an absolute pleasure.}

_{I’m delighted that Brave Hearts has grown with the addition of 17 new children who have joined our program. It has only been three months since the children were welcomed into our community but we have already started to see the impact of our love and holistic care.}

_{One of our new girls is Amanda. When we first met her, she was a very quiet, sad girl, who was very withdrawn and would frequently breakdown crying, asking for her “mummy”. We were deeply touched to find out that she had lost her five siblings and parents to a tragic fire. Through our holistic care model; focus on quality education and effort to build a safe, nourishing environment our counselors and psychologists at Brave Hearts have been able to give her the support she critically needed.}

Amanda is well on the path of coming to terms with her loss, grief and the effects of trauma at such a young age. She now lives with her aunt who is a wonderful guardian. Although she is a busy day worker who struggles to make ends meet after losing her husband, she provides a loving home for her three children. She said, “I’m so happy to see Amanda happy again, playing with her friends, going to school and thriving. I can’t thank Brave Hearts enough”. Amanda has been receiving BHE’s holistic care, counseling, love, educational material support, clothing, monthly nutritional allowance, and daily meal at the dropping center. She loves traditional dancing and playing with her friends. She has made strong friendships at Brave Hearts and has a beaming smile and loving personality.

_{Amanda aspires to become a doctor. We are thankful that we are able to give her and the 16 other new children who joined our program, hope for a bright future ahead.}

_{Thank you for all your support. Your generous donations allow us to do incredible work in educating vulnerable and orphaned youth.}