A road to recovery in Ethiopia

One year after losing both parents to HIV/AIDS in 2008, Samuel and his two brothers survived on one meal a day provided by a neighbour. As a result, Samuel and his younger brother, Yohannes, suffered from acute malnutrition; their thin legs could hardly support their bloated bodies.

With the children’s situation deteriorating, their neighbours sought help from SOS Children’s Village Harar. In the Village, the children would get a permanent home where all their basic needs would be adequately met.

Today, Samuel is 12-years-old and in sixth grade at the local SOS School. Samuel has a strong emotional attachment to his SOS mother and she is the first person he seeks when he comes home from school.

Samuel studing in his SOS home in Harrar, Ethiopia“I love her. She cares a lot about me. After school she asks me if I am thirsty or if I want to eat a fruit before settling down to do my homework. She even asks me about my day at school,” says Samuel.

When he is not challenging his friends to a game of soccer, Samuel can be found watching the game at home on television.

“I love Soccer, Arsenal is my favourite team,” he says. “I always practice the moves I see on TV and use them here in the Village and in school. I am a good soccer player and everyone wants to be on my team,” says Samuel with a wide smile.

The three brothers are leading a normal life in SOS Children’s Village Harar, surrounded by a family that supports them and looks out for their wellbeing. Samuel says his future looks bright. “I took part in a reading competition in school and received an award for my skills. I know I will be successful in future both academically and as a professional soccer player.”


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