Reaching Out to Street Children in Ethiopia

Last year, Retrak began working with two groups of street children in Addis Ababa who have been previously neglected: girls on the move and domestic workers. In our new transition center, Deborah House, 60 vulnerable girls now have access to shelter, food, medical care and a safe space in which they can express their needs and problems to those who will listen. We would like to share one of Retrak Ethiopia’s most recent success stories with you.

Abebech* is a 14 year old girl from a place called Ambo. Abebech’s aunt brought her from the family home to the capital city Addis Ababa and promised she would educate her. Instead, when Abebech arrived, she was forced to cook for the family and serve as a maid in her aunt’s home. After much begging to be allowed to go to school and significant verbal and physical abuse from her aunt’s family, Abebech ended up on the streets and then, eventually found her way to Deborah House.

Julyata Shibiru, Retrak’s program manager at Deborah House, says “It is like they are locked in a box and have no way of getting out and no escape. Retrak helps them to find a way out and gives them a chance to live as children again. These girls are very vulnerable but if you give them the chance they astonish you with their ability and creativity.”

Abebech has now been at Deborah House for 2 months and she says she loves it there. “Everybody gives me love and respect and the house mothers take care of me.  If I have anything to say they listen to me and if there are problems they help me to find solutions”. The police are working to help trace Abebech’s family as she couldn’t remember much about where she was from.

Abebech also says she is enjoying being with other children of her own age. When she leaves Deborah House Abebech says she wants to finish her education and then her dream would be to become an athlete.

Thank you for supporting Retrak Ethiopia so that we may continue to help girls like Abebech. 

Links:

• Retrak America's Website