By Koni Yimer | Founder and Director
As Brave Hearts Ethiopia steps into 2026, we do so with renewed determination and deep gratitude. The needs of the children we serve continue to grow, but so does their potential. In the year ahead, we are committed to strengthening academic support, expanding psychosocial care, and deepening family and community engagement so that every child has the stability and confidence needed to thrive. We will also continue supporting youth as they transition into higher education, technical training, and employment, while growing guardian savings and income generation programs so families can become more self reliant.
When we gathered for our Annual Awards Ceremony at the beginning of the quarter, the room was filled with pride, emotion, and joy. Children received awards for academic excellence, resilience, talent, and graduation into higher education. Guardians danced, some cried, and many did both as children shared their stories of overcoming hardship and staying in school. Clothing donated by a school in the United States was distributed, reminding every child that people across the world care about their future.
Another moving moment this quarter came when Dahanay, one of our graduates, returned to Brave Hearts. This time she came back as a university graduate and working professional. She spent time listening and laughing with the children and shared a simple but powerful message: “where you start does not define where you can go”. For our students, seeing someone who once stood where they stand now thriving was deeply inspiring. Dahanay is living proof that with education, stability, and encouragement, long term change is possible.
That celebration reflected what your support achieved throughout 2025. During the year, 74 children, including 43 girls, were enrolled in formal education, with 29 in primary school, 23 in secondary school, and 12 youth in higher education across universities, private colleges, and TVET centers. Four youth graduated with diplomas, preparing to move into employment or further studies, and three children with autism received tailored educational and psychosocial support. School visits in 12 schools allowed staff to monitor 25 children closely and respond to academic or behavioral challenges.
Learning was strengthened through 1,464 after school study sessions, supported by trained volunteers. Children also participated in computer training, reading programs, art, and beadwork, and had access to supervised internet and library services. To remove barriers to learning, BHE distributed 979 exercise books, 119 pens, 72 pencils, and 70 school bags, helping children study with dignity and confidence.
To keep children healthy and focused, 7,851 nutritious meals were served. Monthly food support reached all 74 children and nine elders, while five children with medical needs received extra nutrition. Four child-headed households received rent support, 40 children received clothing, and 21 children participated in a monthly savings program that builds financial responsibility and future planning.
Health and dignity were supported through 500 soaps, 172 packs of sanitary pads, and medical care for 18 children. Fifty home visits to children and 10 visits to elders allowed social workers to identify risks early and provide targeted support that strengthened family stability.
Emotional wellbeing was strengthened through 73 individual and 80 group counseling sessions, helping children manage stress, build confidence, and stay engaged in school.
Caregivers were also empowered through the Tiret Lifera Savings and Credit Cooperative, which reached 80 members and passed a two year government audit, helping families build stable incomes and better support their children’s education.
To main donor and partner Dean Hanson, the Hanson Family Foundation. Your generosity makes this life-changing work possible.
We also deeply thank each of you who supported our program in different ways, including via GlobalGiving.
Every award, every smile, and every graduation was made possible by those standing with Brave Hearts Ethiopia and helping children build brighter, stronger futures.
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