Crushing School While Crushing Lunch: Beyen’s Story
On the edge of a large city in Ethiopia, 12-year-old Beyen spends an anxious evening with his parents, knowing that the end of the month brings the question, “Will we have enough to pay rent?”
This month, the answer is yes. But there’s more to be worried about. As the school day starts, his father goes to work as a guard for a government school. Beyen’s sister struggles with an unknown illness, and his mother’s serious disease and the pain she endures means she can’t work.
Which means less money. Which means less security.
“My parents don’t say it out loud but I can see the worry in their faces,” Beyen said.
Regardless of these struggles, one side of Beyen’s life proves to be a light — school is one of the most important and exciting parts of his day.
“I like it when I’m studying any subject. Learning makes me happy. When what I studied appears in the exam, it’s like magic. I’ll be sitting there like, ‘Wait, I remember this from my notes!’ and then I crush the question. So satisfying! I like school, and I spend most of my time studying.”
Beyen’s school partners with Convoy of Hope’s Children’s Feeding program and provides him with a nutritious meal every day he’s there. “We don’t have a lot of food in our home, so eating here gives me strength and energy to focus on school.”
He has a great memory for Convoy’s weekly menu, knowing what day the program serves rice, pasta, or bread. His favorite food is rice with tomato sauce and carrots. “I enjoy every bite when the menu for that day is rice with vegetable sauce.”
Beyen is getting ready for his regional examination next year and hopes to pass with flying colors. “But in all that I want to stay close to God because I don’t want to be addicted to any type of drinks or drugs. I want to finish school, graduate, and help my family.”
Beyen’s family also feels the effects of the program. “My family’s concerns about providing food are gone.” His father can go to work every day knowing Beyen has a meal, and his mother and sister can rest and focus on their health.
Thanks to Convoy, Beyen can fulfill his dream of finishing school now that he has the fuel to do so. With supporters like you, Beyen and many others like him can give their all to receiving a good education.
A simple meal can be the key to someone’s ultimate success.
