Regular, nutritious meals can change everything for a family. When parents know their kids are fed, they can focus their attention beyond living day to day, and they can start to build futures for their families.
Shifa lives with her mother and six siblings in Ethiopia. Since Shifa’s father passed away, her mother is the sole provider for her family. She sells local foods on the roadside to make money, but it wasn’t enough for her family to thrive. After Shifa’s father passed away, her mother became very sick, exacerbating their financial problems.
Poverty is a significant challenge in Ethiopia. Despite some progress, a large portion of the population still lives in extreme poverty. More than 20 million people are in need of food assistance. Factors such as limited access to education, health care, and infrastructure contribute to the persistence of poverty.
Additionally, Ethiopia experiences significant internal unrest. The country is home to a large population of refugees and displaced people. The need for life-saving food assistance is common, as recurrent droughts, failed harvest, and loss of livestock are becoming routine.
Two years ago, Shifa began participating in Convoy’s Children’s Feeding program through her school. Since she receives breakfast and lunch at school through Convoy, Shifa’s mother doesn’t have to worry about where her child’s next meal will come from. Now Shifa is part of the more than 3,400 children Convoy of Hope feeds in Ethiopia.
“The meals I get in school have helped me a lot to focus on my education,” Shifa said. “When I think of the meals I eat in school, it excites me.”
When children are not focused on their hunger, they have the energy to focus in school and play with their friends — they have hope for a brighter future.
To help feed more kids like Shifa, you can donate to Convoy of Hope’s Children’s Feeding initiative.
