Quality Education for Orphan & Vulnerable Children

This quarter we were filled with joy as three of our amazing youth graduated. Zemzem & Sofia graduated with Diplomas in Food & Beverage. Elias graduated with a Diploma in Accounting. 

Zemzem joined Brave Hearts in 2014. She was a cheerful young girl and was taken care of by her grandfather who struggled to provide for them. After joining BHE she received holistic care including academic, nutrition, health, psychosocial and psycho social  support. Through ongoing family counselling intervention she was also reunited with her mother. Zemzem progressed in her studies and actively participated in sessions and events at the drop in center.

Elias joined Brave Hearts in 2018 whilst living with his mother and sister. His mom worked as a daily laborer and had a challenge making ends meet. With holistic support, Elias was able to progress in his studies and his hard work paid off as he earned his degree. He actively participated in sessions at the drop in center and supported the younger children. 

Sofia also joined Brave Hearts in 2018. After joining the program, Sofia received holistic care while her mom joined the income generation program and took loans to expand her small business which helped her better provide for her family. Sofia actively participated in the sessions at the drop in center and was able to progress in her studies. 

As we celebrated their success at our Drop-In Center, they shared how they were able to overcome their challenges and inspired the younger children in the program so they never give up on their education. We also proudly awarded students who showed academic excellence and progress. 

During the quarter, 72 children (41 girls) were enrolled in formal education: 5 in kindergarten, 30 in primary, 22 in secondary, 12 in higher education, and 3 with special needs. Our social workers conducted telephone calls with their teachers, discussing academic performance, attendance, behavior, and participation with teachers.

In total, 12 youths are currently pursuing higher education in four government and three private universities and colleges. Special focus was provided for those who were preparing to take the 6th and 8th grade regional exam as well as the 12th grade national exam.

Zemzem’s, Elias’ and Sofia’s successful graduation proves that access to quality education and adequate holistic support empowers and enables our youth to unleash their potential breaking the cycle of poverty and ensuring they are able to support themselves, their families and their communities. 

As always, I extend my deepest gratitude to our major partner, Dean Hanson and the Hanson Family Foundation for their dedicated support to empowering vulnerable children and youth through our program at Brave Hearts Ethiopia.

We thank each and every one of you who support the children’s quality education program on the GlobalGiving platform enabling us to change lives! 

Wishing you all the best from the Brave Hearts family!