Bethlehem's Family

With limited education and escaping an abusive situation, Bethlehem struggles to provide for her two children.

Bethlehem’s father died when she was 6 years old, after which she lived with her mother in the countryside. She was brought to Addis Ababa at the age of 10 by her aunt, to work as a babysitter for family friends. Several years later she met her first husband and had a child with him. Bethlehem’s mother fell ill during this time and came to live with them and receive treatment in Addis, but sadly passed away shortly after. Following this, her husband’s behavior began to change for the worse, prompting Bethlehem to escape with her daughter. In order to save money and provide for her child, Bethlehem left her child twice with family while she travelled to other countries to work as a nanny and housecleaner. Upon her return to Ethiopia, Bethlehem used her savings to start a small coffee business and became pregnant with her second child. She also has tried other business ideas such as selling bread, candles, and vegetables. Bethlehem’s main challenges are lack of education and business training, and being unable to afford daycare.

Monthly sponsorship will provide Bethlehem’s family with holistic support such as food, housing, medical care, spiritual care, counselling, education, health and life skills training, income generation and business development opportunities. Being part of HFK’s Family Empowerment Program will also give this family an opportunity to participate in many of our daycare, education, and community programs.

CURRENT NEED per Month $130:  Sponsor $130 per mo.| $65 per mo.