Making a difference: Mariamawit’s story

Mariamawit was supported by the Beyond the Orphanage program in Ethiopia for 7 years. She has now ‘graduated’ from our program. This is Mariamawit’s story.

“My name is Mariamawit and I am 22 years old. I was with the Beyond the Orphanage program for seven years. Before this, I had a very hard life. I was miserable where I was living and it was not a nice environment. And losing both my parents was very painful.

When this happened, BTO made sure I had a home and family to live with, and they helped me with my education.

At school, I even managed to finish grade 12. After I finished school, I did a small business course that made me confident and able. And now? My life is better.

At the moment I have a shop, which I own with a colleague. My husband and I will also be having a child soon: I am seven months pregnant.

My husband and I will also be having a child soon: I am seven months pregnant.

Even though I have graduated from BTO and I have my own family, I still have very good harmony with the children and the staff at the BTO drop-in centre. We see each other as sister and brothers. They will always be my family.

Because I am pregnant and need some rest, my husband and I have rented the shop to my colleague until I give birth. But my goal for the future is to restart working in my shop once I am back from maternity leave. I want to grow my business and help other children the way that I received help.”

In 2017, Beyond the Orphanage will support ten young adults with their technical and vocational training. We will also support six young adults attending university.

In 2017, Beyond the Orphanage will support ten young adults with their technical and vocational training, as well as six young adults who are currently attending university.

At BTO, we know each and every one of the children by name. We personally know each and every one of their stories. When children leave year 12, we ensure that they are empowered to achieve their dreams for the future.

We look forward to continuing to hear stories of happiness and hope like Mariamawit’s, as more children continue to ‘graduate’ from our programs across Ethiopia and Nepal.

Are you inspired by Mariamawit’s story? We are. Take a look at how to become a child sponsor today.

For more stories from children who have graduated from our programs, see our article – 3 photos that prove child sponsorship works.