Written by Mina Yirga - Horizon Ethiopia Staff Writer
Monday, 23 February 2009
Since the reporting of Ethiopia’s first HIV (1984) and AIDS cases (1986), HIV/AIDS has evolved into a generalized epidemic and is now the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among adults in Ethiopia. According to UNAIDS/WHO global AIDS epidemic reports, an estimated 22 million adults and children were living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa at the end of 2007. During that year, an estimated 1.5 million Africans died from AIDS. The epidemic has left behind some 11.6 million orphaned African children. In our country's case, 92,000 children are estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS and a little over 600,000 have become orphans due to AIDS. Frightening figures but for the heart with a huge desire to help, may be what it takes is the willingness to devote oneself to the cause and be an agent of change for the better.
Mahider Kebede, has been resident in Kolfe Keranio Kifle Ketema for all her life. There can’t be any other person that can understand the low socio economic situation of the kefle ketema (sub-city) better than the 19 year old Mahider and her neighbors. Located in the south western part of Addis Ababa, Kolfe Keranio is one of the largest kifle ketemas found in the metropolis with a total of 10 kebeles. The semi urban, semi rural situation of the kifle ketema shows how Kolfe Keranio is faced with infrastructural impediments. High rates of unemployment and poor educational opportunities is what has been recorded ever since in the area. Hardly any families can afford to pay tuition for their children’s’ education. Families suffer watching their children’s hungry eyes. Hungry for provisions. Hungry for food. Hungry for education.
As early age as 16, Mahider and her all time supporter and mother W/ro Deneneshe Zelekeconceived the idea of educating vulnerable children in their Kebele in the form of an indigenous NGO. In the year 2006, Yetesfa Ber Le Ethiopia Hetsanat (Doorway of Hope for Ethiopia's Children) become a reality with a primary goal of supporting orphans and HIV/AIDS infected children in their locale.
Temhert Le Lejoch- sponsorship program
Out of the 10 Kolfe Keranio Kebeles, Kebele 01, 04 and 05, are those selected as target areas for Yetesfa Ber projects. Program beneficiaries were carefully selected by their respective community and Kebele authorities on the grounds of being too poor to support their children with education. Thus far, Yetesfa Ber is successfully lending a hand for 30 children (out of which 17 are girls) by entirely covering their tuition fees in private schools. Yetesfa Ber also supports the children with their school material and uniform expenses. Tutorial classes are also part of the after class program in order to assist the children with in their educational studies.
This program is supported by fundraising programs and individual donators sponsoring at least one or more children. Depending on individual choice donations include:
• ETB 60 per month to cover 10 months of tuition fees for one child
• ETB 15 per month to cover school materials and unforms for one child for the same period
**The entire aggregate amount is paid at the beginning of each school year
Yestesfa Ber works closely with private schools and has reached an agreement with the same to offer a discount on tuition fees for the children sponsored by the organization.
Nebab Le Lejoch – a public library for children
Yetesfa Ber has also established a children's public library in Kebele 04 with the intention of increasing children's reading habits. The organization provides open access to all children who wish to come and read books in the library. The project is also designed to provide children with:
• Basic computer courses
• English classes
• Tutorial classes for female students, aged 12 to 18
The computer courses, English classes and tutorial classes are given by dedicated volunteers and special attention is givent to helping students attending public schools. HIV awareness, female students, sports and music clubs will also soon be established for interested children. A special playing area will also be arranged in the vicinity of the library in order to accommodate the youngest children.
“So you all are invited to be part of change. Help the children make their dreams come true! that’s the call we all need to answer," says the Mahider family.
