Nebiyu* is a 10-year-old boy who was a grade one student in an elementary school in Ethiopia’s Amhara region. He sustained a significant injury to his right leg due to corporal punishment by a relative and is undergoing medical treatment. Nebiyu had to drop out of school and spend seven months in the hospital for medical care, and he had three procedures to improve his condition.
The hospital where he was being treated was in a different town, far away from his family. Nebiyu lives in a modest house with his mother and sisters. Their mother has been sick for a long time and is unable to move from bed.
During a house visit in their neighborhood to identify families eligible for a cash transfer program, the JF-CPiE project and the administration staff discovered Nebiyu. He had returned from his medical treatment and was staying at home at the time. His family did not have enough money to meet his remaining medical expenditures and transportation to the hospital on his scheduled appointment dates. They also lacked the funds to cover daily meal expenses, as prescribed by the doctors for his recovery.
“I miss playing football with my classmates.” Even though I can’t play football like I used to, my neighborhood friends come around and we share stories. I miss school and my friends very much. I want to be back to school again and continue my class. I hope to return soon as I am now much better than the previous months.”
Nebiyu’s oldest sister Woynishet* is the one who takes care of him and their mother. Because their mother is unable to work, Woynishet has been financially supporting the family prior to Nebiyu’s injury. “I was working as a waitress at one of the restaurants here, but I can’t go out and work now because I have to look after both my brother and mother. Because of my mother’s illness, it was difficult for us to cover Nebiyu’s education expenses. The salary I receive from my job can only cover meals for the family, so we decided to send him to our relatives living in another town in the hope that they can assist him continue his education. As Nebiyu attended school while living with them, he was punished by our relative and suffered major injury on his leg. After some time, I was able to learn about the issue, but by the time I arrived, his health had deteriorated and become complicated due to a failure to be carried to the health center on time. I immediately accompanied him to the hospital, where he stayed for seven months for treatment. It was very difficult for me to watch my little brother in such a state” says Woynishet.
My mother is now receiving cash transfer support, which is assisting us in covering expenses for milk, egg and other nutritious food which are basic for my brother recovery. The JF-CPiE project is also funding Nebiyu’s medical expenses. Besides, I was able to take him to the hospital for his medical checkups, and he did not miss any of his follow-up appointments. We couldn’t afford the transportation costs to take him to the hospital where Nebiyu is getting treatment, which is a long hour drive away, and it’s also difficult to get proper transportation for his condition. My brother is getting better on a regular basis, and I am optimistic he will recover and return to school soon, which is my wish for him.
“The project has also included me in the Income Generating Activity. So far, I have received training in business development and basic financial management. I am ready to start the business and continue to support my family. Running my own business will allow me to devote more time and money to caring for my mother and brother.”
*Not real names.
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 | This publication was produced with the financial support of the German Humanitarian Assistance Its contents are the sole responsibility of Joining Forces and do not necessarily reflect the views of the German Humanitarian Assistance. |