Wibalem's Family

Forced into an arranged marriage at 14, Wibalem bravely left for the city two months later in search of a better life.

Growing up in rural Ethiopia, she worked on her family’s small farm and was only able to attend school up to grade 2. With so few opportunities in her village and little education, Wibalem felt trapped—especially after being forced into a marriage she did not choose. Determined to change her circumstances, she escaped to the city, where she spent six years working as a maid before meeting her husband and moving with him to Korah.

In recent years, her family has faced challenges that have placed most of the financial responsibility on her shoulders. Today, her husband works irregularly as a day laborer, while Wibalem takes on cleaning and laundry jobs whenever work is available—all while caring for their one-year-old baby girl. There are days when the family has nothing to eat. The combination of unstable income, financial strain, and marital difficulties has caused significant emotional and economic hardship for Wibalem and her family.

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

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