Raphe – Rural Development

Ayele had to work very hard instead of studying. He washed beef tripe, carried beer crates and barrels, and endured his boss's scolding. By the age of 13, he was the family's main breadwinner. "I want to go back to school," he said: a chronicle of a difficult childhood – with a happy ending.

Since January, a new phase of our major children's project has been underway: In the city of Debre Berhan, we are supporting 1,800 children from the poorest families for three years. To kick things off, some of them painted their world. The pictures tell stories of worries, happiness, and big dreams.

With new coffee seedlings, hard work and a strong cooperative, Demeke Bedo has found his way out of poverty. Today, he can feed his family and invest in their future.