Adiye, a 14- year- old girl from a remote village in the Amhara region, Ethiopia, lived with her elderly grandmother after losing her parents at a young age. Due to economic hardship, Adiye was at risk of dropping out of school and being forced into child labor to support the household.
Adiye had started missing school frequently and she was vulnerable to abuse, exploitation, and early marriage, common risks in her community for girls in her situation. Community members were concerned but didn’t know how to intervene.
The JF-FS&CPiE project was active in Adiye’s community to set up a community-based child protection system. Through community outreach, Adiye was identified as a child at risk. A JF-FS&CPiE project staff conducted a detailed assessment using standard case management tools, after which Adiye’s case was prioritized, and an individual care plan was developed. Key actions included:
- Provision of dignity kit and NFI materials.
- Cash support for Adiye’s grandmother, enabling her to reduce economic pressures on families.
- Participation in life skills training.
- Ongoing home visits and follow-up by the case workers and community volunteers.
“Before, I thought my only option was to leave school and work. Now I have hope and dreams again. I want to become a teacher and help other children like me.”, shares Adiye.
Within six months, Adiye returned to school full-time and showed improved performance and attendance. She regained her confidence and now actively participates in life-skill training that promotes children’s rights. Her grandmother remains hopeful that the necessary assistance will remain available until they can fully stand on their own.
This case highlights the importance of early identification, coordinated support and empowering caregivers to build long-term resilience for children at risk.
Save the Children implements the JF-FS&CPIE Consortium project, funded by the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO), to enhance protection for vulnerable children and adolescents (under 18) by improving access to quality child protection services, including prevention, mitigation, and response.
The project strengthens community and local government capacities in the Wag Himra Zone of the Amhara Region, addressing the root causes of child protection risks. All interventions are community-based, ensuring sustainable impact.
Through its Sekota Field Office, Save the Children executes the Joining Forces for Food Security and Child Protection in Emergency (JF-FS&CPIE) project across
- Sekota Town (4 kebeles)
- Sekota Zuriya Woreda (7 kebeles)
- Ziquala Woreda (7 kebeles)
A key intervention includes case management, multi-sectoral referrals, and cash assistance (where appropriate) for at-risk children, such as
- Survivors of child marriage, child labor, or SGBV
- Children with disabilities
- Unaccompanied and separated children
- Those in need of legal aid
- Children in areas facing acute food insecurity
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.