Reaching Out to Street Children in Ethiopia

At the age of twelve, Helen was sent to live as a domestic worker with a couple in the city. Helen’s parents and the employer’s relatives had lived as neighbours for years, and Helen’s mother trusted they would look after her child, and make sure she went to school as well as working for them.

After a year, Helen had received no salary, and the promise of going to school had never materialised. She believes her mother had sent her away to work because of dire economic necessity, and as she was told her salary was being sent directly home, she didn’t ask for the money. Helen was denied food and treated unkindly. She says, “The woman treated me worse than a dog – even a dog gets some respect.’’

One day, Helen was found on the street by police officers and sent to Retrak’s Lighthouse. The police also told Helen’s employers where she was, and they turned up at the Lighthouse, strongly denying having neglected, or physically or emotionally abused her. Trained Retrak workers took control of the situation and found out where Helen’s family lived, and although the employers were angry and uncooperative, they finally handed over the phone number for Helen’s mother.

Retrak then began the process of developing a trusting relationship with Helen. At first, she was withdrawn, anxious and very shy, but after a few weeks she realised that the Lighthouse was offering her protection, care and support, and she became as content and cheerful as a child of her age should be.

At every stage of the holistic care Retrak offered, Helen was in phone contact with her uncle, and he kept in touch with Helen’s mother. Finally, Helen asked to move back in with her mother, which the Lighthouse staff facilitated.