COVID Disaster Relief for Ethiopia
Donation protected
Hermela, a sweet, happy little girl, fought for her health her entire life. When I met her, in 2014, she had just walked up the long hilly road from her school. She was dressed in her school uniform, hanging on her slight frame. She was winded from the walk but proud to share how she was doing in school.
Sadly, COVID-19 turned out to be too much for her small, sick body to handle and she died last month.
She was not alone.
Because Every Mother Matters (BEMM) has run a sponsorship program in Dessie, Ethiopia for several years in order to support the poorest of the poor. The program helps mothers and fathers to start a business in order to sustain their families.
These families have been severely impacted by the current global pandemic. Beyond the tragic loss of Hermela, and other program participants, these families face an ongoing, devastating and dire situation. Because of the novel corona virus affecting food production and transportation, there has been a disruption to the food chain in rural communities - meaning many cannot eat regularly. This is compounded by the fact that many in this community are already compromised by malnutrition, HIV, cancer and diabetes. One mother, Alemenesh, lost her son to suicide because circumstances seemed so hopeless. Making this loss even more tragic, he was the first son of a BEMM participant to go to university as a direct result of his mother’s hard work.
Photo by Amy Little Smith
Because Every Mother Matters, along with BEZA, its partner organization in Ethiopia, is working to support these families by providing seeds, flour, shiro and face masks. Hanyea, the BEZA Director has said, “In the next 2 or 3 months, if we can’t provide, something like food, masks or seeds for those with some land to grow, the situation will become more complicated and will increase the death substantially in this destitute community. So, if we can raise this money or get some sponsors we can literally save their lives.” Additionally, BEMM will be providing training for the women to make face masks to help their community.
This is where we need your help. We are working to raise $1500. Any amount you donate today will help for these beautiful families. For $500 USD we can address the immediate needs and support 45 families with critical supplies. And we won’t stop there. BEMM will continue to work to help provide a sustainable income for families once restrictions are lifted. We know from our relationships and past experiences just how far a little help can go. As one organization member said after her trip to Dessie, Ethiopia “To see the graduation from the sponsorship program of all those motivated ladies, who pulled themselves out of abject poverty, with no other economic or cultural resources available to them and only our small monthly support...So little can help so much. We can make a difference!”
Please join me and make a donation today to help the families in this community I fell in love with 6 years ago and am still determined to help today.
Sadly, COVID-19 turned out to be too much for her small, sick body to handle and she died last month.
She was not alone.
Because Every Mother Matters (BEMM) has run a sponsorship program in Dessie, Ethiopia for several years in order to support the poorest of the poor. The program helps mothers and fathers to start a business in order to sustain their families.
These families have been severely impacted by the current global pandemic. Beyond the tragic loss of Hermela, and other program participants, these families face an ongoing, devastating and dire situation. Because of the novel corona virus affecting food production and transportation, there has been a disruption to the food chain in rural communities - meaning many cannot eat regularly. This is compounded by the fact that many in this community are already compromised by malnutrition, HIV, cancer and diabetes. One mother, Alemenesh, lost her son to suicide because circumstances seemed so hopeless. Making this loss even more tragic, he was the first son of a BEMM participant to go to university as a direct result of his mother’s hard work.
Photo by Amy Little SmithBecause Every Mother Matters, along with BEZA, its partner organization in Ethiopia, is working to support these families by providing seeds, flour, shiro and face masks. Hanyea, the BEZA Director has said, “In the next 2 or 3 months, if we can’t provide, something like food, masks or seeds for those with some land to grow, the situation will become more complicated and will increase the death substantially in this destitute community. So, if we can raise this money or get some sponsors we can literally save their lives.” Additionally, BEMM will be providing training for the women to make face masks to help their community.
This is where we need your help. We are working to raise $1500. Any amount you donate today will help for these beautiful families. For $500 USD we can address the immediate needs and support 45 families with critical supplies. And we won’t stop there. BEMM will continue to work to help provide a sustainable income for families once restrictions are lifted. We know from our relationships and past experiences just how far a little help can go. As one organization member said after her trip to Dessie, Ethiopia “To see the graduation from the sponsorship program of all those motivated ladies, who pulled themselves out of abject poverty, with no other economic or cultural resources available to them and only our small monthly support...So little can help so much. We can make a difference!”
Please join me and make a donation today to help the families in this community I fell in love with 6 years ago and am still determined to help today.
Organizer
Beth Pendergist
Organizer
Sheffield, MA