Young boy finds a loving home

Birke and Chane

Birke and her husband Chane had tried to have a second child for a long time but had not succeeded. Their first-born daughter was already 17 years old.

In one of the community meetings Birke attended, she learnt that it was possible to grow her family through fostering. It was the first time she heard about this. At home, Birke discussed this with her husband, and they decided fostering was a good option for them. They took the next step of expressing their interest to the Women, Children and Youth office.

After the relevant assessment, paperwork and training on childcare, the couple met Mayu and brought him home. “I am so happy for the opportunity to raise him and be part of his life,” she says.

Parents with resources to cater for the expenses of the fostered child are trained in childcare, but those who need extra support like Birke and Chane receive funds to cover costs of food, health, psychosocial support, clothing and educational expenses.

Foster parents and SOS families have formed a network, which gives SOS mothers and aunts an opportunity to mentor two to five foster families each. In this network, the SOS caregivers share their experiences on childcare.

Birke says Mayu has brought many joys and blessings to her family.  “For example, my husband has been working away from home, but he has transferred to Jimma town to work near home after Mayu joined the family – the father, son moments have been amazing. And I found work to care for abandoned children at the Jimma Hospital,” she says.

Mayu is now in his second year of kindergarten and living happily with his foster family. He likes to draw pictures, play with toys and fix electronics. The couple is now talking about adopting Mayu and opening their home to another child.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to change a child’s life and give them a chance at a bright future, but it is upsetting to know that so many children are in need of a home,” says Birke.

 “My wife and I are lucky that our parents gave us a good start in life,” Chane adds. “And we are grateful for the opportunity to extend that to a child in need.”

*Name changed to protect the child’s privacy