Afia didn't give up, and her family is thriving in Keranyo, Ethiopia
Children playing at the SOS Children’s Villages Early Childhood Development Centre in Keranyo.
Afia is a devoted single mother raising three daughters, twins and their younger sibling. Every day used to be a struggle. Living in a challenging environment, Afia worked tirelessly to put food on the table and keep her children safe and healthy.
Before finding SOS Children’s Villages, Afia collected plastic bottles for recycling to earn an income. It was gruelling work, and she often had to bring her twins along because there was no one else to watch them. The long days under the sun and exposure to unsanitary conditions put them all at risk. Despite her determination, steady work was nearly impossible to find, with many employers turning her away because of her responsibilities as a single mother.
That all began to change when Afia and her children joined the SOS Children’s Villages Early Childhood Development Centre. For the first time, her children had a safe place to learn, play, and grow. They received nutritious meals, care, and education that gave them the foundation every child deserves. One of Afia’s daughters, who had been struggling with malnutrition, regained her strength thanks to the food support provided by SOS Children’s Villages.
While her children flourished, Afia found new hope for herself as well. Through the business skills training offered by SOS Children’s Villages, she gained confidence and the tools she needed to start her own small business. With a small grant of 5,000 ETB (approximately 45 Canadian dollars), Afia began selling clothes at the local market.
Her business took off. With her determination and hard work, Afia built a loyal customer base and began earning a steady income. Today, she can provide for her family, send her daughters to school, and invest in their future.
The transformation in Afia’s life is significant. Her children are thriving in a safe, loving environment, and she has found the stability she once only dreamed of. More than that, Afia has become a source of inspiration to other single mothers in her community, proof that, with support and opportunity, it’s possible to rise above even the toughest circumstances.
Why your support matters
At SOS Children’s Villages, we believe that every child deserves to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment. We work alongside families to build long-term stability, providing tools, training, and access to services that break the cycle of poverty and separation.
Your support helps make this possible. Whether it’s giving a child access to early education or helping a parent start a small business, the impact is real and lasting.
Empower more mothers like Afia. Help children grow up with care, support, and the chance to thrive.