Reaching Out to Street Children in Ethiopia

Meet Musa. Musa was only 8 years old when Retrak met him living on the streets of Addis Ababa. His mother had left him with his father who was an abusive alcoholic. Musa worked at the side of roads collecting tar, he had little to eat, no warm clothes and was regularly beaten. The streets seemed like a better option. Retrak tried to help him return home, but even with the local council’s help, his father couldn’t manage and Musa eventually returned to Retrak.

Musa is one of many children Retrak has met on the streets whose family background is so dificult that returning home simply isn't an option. But that doesn't mean that they have no chance of a home at all.

Foster care provides the chance for a child to experience the security of a loving family, which can be transformational in a child’s life. A safe and caring family provides a child with the best chance to grow and develop normally, without the burden of being alone, rejected or uncared for.

In Ethiopia there is very little foster care. There isn't even a word for it in the Amharic language. But, together with UNICEF and other interested NGOs, Retrak has begun to work towards foster care for children on the streets. Retrak hopes to recruit the first foster families soon and place children in their care, including Musa.

Thank you for your past support of Retrak's programs with street chlldren in Ethiopia. Please consider making another donation to Retrak. With your help, Retrak's foster care program will soon be up and running and Musa and children like him will be able to grow and thrive in a loving family.

Links:

• Retrak's Website