Mekides' Family

Mekides is a single mother working tirelessly to provide for her two young children.

Her childhood was marked by hardship—her father passed away before she was born, leaving her mother to care for six children alone. Unable to manage, her mother sent Mekides away at a young age to work as a maid and laborer for a family in a nearby city. At 15 years old, Mekides and her sister escaped to Addis Ababa in hopes of starting a new life. In the city, she met her husband, and together they had two children. But when her husband lost his job as a laborer, he remained unemployed for two years. Eventually, he told Mekides he was leaving for the countryside to find work and promised to return—but he never came back.

Now, Mekides supports her children by washing clothes for four regular clients and taking on any odd jobs available in her neighborhood. Her income is not enough to cover rent and food—and there are many days when the family goes without eating.  Despite the many challenges she faces, she remains a devoted mother whose incredible strength is evident in all she does.

Monthly sponsorship will provide Mekides’ 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 youth, daycare, education, and community programs.

Current Need per Month $260: Sponsor $260 per mo.| $130 per mo.| $65 per mo.