Most children you know probably don’t have to worry about their next meal. But for 5-year-old Demissie, that isn’t so.
Demissie lives with his older brother and his father, Abraham. Tragically, his mother died two years ago. Around the same time, Abraham’s work as a minister stopped paying enough to help provide for the family.
Even though Demissie was too young to remember everything his mother did for him, he recalls the care she provided. “If she were still alive, she would be working alongside my father to support our family,” he said. “Now, he is the sole provider, working hard to meet our needs.”
No job security means food insecurity. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner aren’t always guaranteed. It has been very difficult for Demissie to eat regularly. His father struggled to provide food, and sometimes Demissie went to school on an empty stomach.
But Abraham shares that things started to look up when Demissie joined Convoy of Hope’s Children’s Feeding program. “Recently, I was very happy that, with God’s help, my son was registered in the … program and was able to have his lunch there,” he said. “This has lightened my burden. … I am truly thankful and grateful for this opportunity.”
Demissie enjoys a variety of the program’s menu. “The center serves delicious food such as rice, macaroni, injera, carrots, bread, taro root, and anbasha. My favorite type of food served is injera and potato stew,” he said. “My body has changed from before, and I am very happy now. Now, my father no longer has to worry about me … I love my father the most.”
With hunger no longer a distraction, Demissie can now savor school to the fullest. “I feel happy studying English and Math most of the time. I also enjoy playing with my friends during break time. I love playing football,” he said.
These days, the future is Demissie’s primary focus. His goal is to become a computer science professional. He wants to study diligently and assist his family with work.
And now he can. Thanks to Convoy and supporters like you, children like Demissie will be able to pursue their dreams and help their families.
