Selam's Family

Selam dropped out of school to escape an early marriage, and now faces financial stress and instability.

Both of Selam's parents died of illness when she was a baby, so she was raised by her aunt in Northern Ethiopia. When she was just 11 years old, Selam fled to Addis Ababa with her cousin as her aunt had arranged for her to be a child bride. Initially working as a maid for six years, Selam took a job at a restaurant where she met her now husband. He also had a hard childhood and instead of attending school, he was responsible for cultivating his family's farmland.

Their daughter is now one year old and the stress of raising a family in Korah has increased the pressure they are experiencing. Selam earns a very modest income selling vegetables, and her husband works as a daily laborer. Even so, they are barely able to pay their rent, and it is only through the support of neighbors and friends that the family eats an occasional meal.

Monthly sponsorship will provide Selam’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 $130: Sponsor $130 per mo. | $65 per mo.