Zenebech's Family

A widow with four young children, Zenebech faces the immense challenge of providing for her family.

Raised by her grandmother, Zenebech was able to attend school up to grade 9. When her family tried to force her into an arranged marriage, she escaped and moved to the capital city. There she found work as a cook in a small restaurant, where she eventually met her husband. He supported the family through his work in construction until, just over a year ago, he tragically passed away from lung disease.

Married for 13 years, Zenebech was suddenly left as the sole provider for her four children. She now works as a cleaner, but the income is very little. She often has no choice but to leave her children at home while she works, and her oldest son has started collecting plastic bottles at the dump to sell in order to help. Despite pressures to give up her children, Zenebech is determined to raise them herself. Providing food is a daily challenge. At times, the family must rely on the kindness of neighbors, and the older children often save half of their school meal to share with their younger twin siblings at home.

Monthly sponsorship will provide Zenebech’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, education, and community programs.

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