Biruk can go back to school

"I often stand by the road in front of our accommodation in the mornings. I see the children walking to school. I stand there for a long time and watch them."

I don't go to school. I used to live with my grandmother in the countryside. In the mornings I went to school, and in the afternoons my friend Yehwalashet and I tended the animals: oxen, goats, sheep, and donkeys. I was a good student. I was usually first in my class. But soon my grandmother didn't have enough food for us. So she sent me back to the city, to my mother.

I don't know my father. He's been gone since I was little. Now I live with my mom, my stepfather, and my little sister, Fekr. Mom works a lot. She bakes and washes clothes for other people. She doesn't earn much money.

My stepfather used to be in a militia. He fought in the war. Since then, he's been ill. He has headaches and no appetite. Often he's too weak to work. He seeks help at church, drinking holy water there. When he feels better, he works as a laborer on a construction site. But that's rare.

After the summer holidays, the teachers demanded money for chalk and other supplies. We needed 1000 Birr (about seven Swiss francs) for that. My mom had already saved the money. Then suddenly the landlord came and demanded the rent. He threatened to evict us. Mom had to pay. There was no money left for school.

Now I'm at home. I'm helping Mommy and looking after my little sister, Fekr. She's two years old. We play together. She ties her stuffed animal to her back, just like mothers carry their babies. Then she puts her finger to her mouth and says, "Shhh! Be quiet, it's sleeping!" I take the stuffed animal and cuddle it in my arms. I want to learn again. I want to have knowledge. Then I can find a good job and have a good life. Later, I want to be a teacher. I want to help poor children.

We visited Biruk in May 2025. Since September, he has resumed schooling – thanks to the donors of Menschen für Menschen.