School Support for 130 orphan children-Addis Ababa

Introduction and Overview

Yengat Birhan Charity Organization, initially established in June 2016 and officially re-registered in May 2019, is committed to improving the lives of vulnerable children in underserved regions of Ethiopia. The organization focuses on supporting orphans, children from child-headed families, and those from marginalized communities by addressing critical needs in education, healthcare, and nutrition.

Primary Focus Areas Include:

Academic Assistance: Providing educational supplies, conducting tutorial sessions, and offering snacks to boost school attendance and student engagement.

Health and Hygiene Initiatives: Conducting health education programs and distributing essential hygiene products to promote better daily well-being.

Food and Nutritional Aid: Addressing children's nutritional needs to fight hunger and prevent undernutrition.

Medical Insurance Coverage: Offering health insurance to ease the financial burden of medical costs.

Psychological support; Offering various forms of support and organizing events such as football games to encourage and uplift students.

 Yengat Birhan Charity Organization takes a comprehensive, child-focused approach that integrates educational assistance, health initiatives, and nutritional support to meet the diverse needs of vulnerable children and their families. The organization currently supports 136 school children, along with their mothers and households, as well as 7 women involved in income-generating activities (IGAs). Through an integrated support system, it aims to reduce various vulnerabilities, including the financial strain of medical expenses. By utilizing community-driven solutions, forming strategic partnerships, and implementing innovative programs, Yengat Birhan strengthens resilience and creates sustainable opportunities for learning, growth, and overall well-being—ensuring lasting impact for both children and their caregivers.

Major Achievements

Educational Support:

During May and June, tutorial classes in English, Mathematics, and Ethics with Life Skills were held three days a week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday) from 10:00 to 11:00 PM for local students. To accommodate those from remote areas, additional sessions were conducted every other Saturday from 3:00 to 6:00 AM. These sessions were led by qualified instructors, including private school teachers for English and Mathematics.

In July, the focus shifted to a comprehensive summer program emphasizing life skills and holistic development. Supported by a structured curriculum, activities included psychological support, behavior change education, English language enhancement, and play-based learning. As it is summer and there is no school, we have prepared a special program three days a week for half a day in the afternoon, delivered by very skilled and experienced teachers.

Tutorials were paused in August to provide students with a well-deserved break, allowing them time to rest and prepare for the upcoming academic year.

Nutrition Support:

To enhance food security and improve nutritional intake, each child and their family received 1 liter of cooking oil and 5 kilograms of wheat flour every other month. Additionally, snacks were consistently provided during tutorial sessions to help maintain students’ energy levels and focus.

Health and Hygiene Support:

To support hygiene and well-being, students received hygiene kits—three bars of laundry soap and 250ml of hair oil—every two months. Forty-four girls were also provided with sanitary pads, and health education sessions were held for children and families to promote good hygiene practices.

Sanitation and Cleanliness:

Liquid soap and hand sanitizers were given to students and staff before snack time to help develop good sanitation habits and promote a clean and hygienic environment in classrooms and counseling areas.

Pyhcosocial/Discipleship Suppurt:

We actively identify students exhibiting psychological or behavioral challenges and provide targeted support through counseling and follow-up. Initial assessments are based on teacher observations and academic performance. Identified students receive individual or group counseling tailored to their needs, followed by regular monitoring to ensure progress. We also collaborate with parents, teachers, and, when necessary, external professionals to provide comprehensive and effective support that promotes student well-being and a positive learning environment.

These initiatives have addressed the immediate needs of children while also supporting their long-term well-being and empowerment. Yengat Birhan remains dedicated to responding to the ongoing challenges faced by vulnerable children in the community.

Challenges Faced

One of our students was diagnosed with advanced bone cancer, which had already spread to her lungs. Upon learning of her condition, we immediately coordinated with her family to explore every possible treatment option. She was admitted to a private hospital where we, along with her loved ones, did everything within our power to support her medically, emotionally, and financially. Unfortunately, despite these efforts and the strength she showed throughout, her condition had progressed too far. She passed away in the month of July. This loss has deeply affected our team, her peers, and the entire community.

The organization faced major challenges due to rising inflation, increasing costs, and limited financial resources, requiring careful planning and selective allocation to sustain essential services. While stronger community partnerships and strategic planning have helped manage these difficulties, expanding and diversifying the organization’s funding sources remains a critical and pressing priority.

Key Insights Gained

Integrated Support Boosts Impact: The integration of support in education, healthcare, and nutrition created a synergistic impact, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the program.

Expanded Partnerships: Collaborating with various partners expanded program reach and strengthened community impact.

Adaptive Management: Ongoing monitoring and prompt adjustments maintained the relevance and effectiveness of the activities carried out.

Final Reflections

Yengat Birhan Charity Organization has made significant strides in improving the well-being of vulnerable children by addressing key needs in education, health, and nutrition. These combined efforts have supported both academic success and personal growth. Looking ahead, the organization remains committed to expanding its impact through innovative approaches and stronger partnerships.

                         Thank You!