EveryChild Needs Someone

-EveryChild Needs Someone

As HR specialists you know firsthand how difficult and uncertain the job market has been over the past year. This uncertainty is unfortunately something that is a daily reality for young girls in Ethiopia and Digby Morgan is one company that is trying to do something about it.

Digby Morgan’s CEO, John Maxted, said that: “EveryChild is a hugely worthy cause that I’m proud to have supported for more than 20 years! I appreciate how many requests you all receive for charitable support but if you or your organisation are interested in supporting vulnerable children and helping them to get out of life on the streets please call Nicola on 020 7749 2497 or email nicola.moore@everychild.org.uk”

EveryChild is an international development charity working to stop children growing up vulnerable and alone. Working with local partners in 15 countries it keeps children safe when they are alone and at risk. The way in which it does this in Ethiopia is to encourage street children to take part in vocational training programmes that enable them to stop working and sleeping on the streets.

These vulnerable girls who are used to life on the streets have the opportunity to stay in EveryChild’s safe homes. This is a safe place where girls are able to access education, health advice and vocational training but, most importantly, it is a home where they can stay which is free from abuse and exploitation.

At the safe home the teenage girls are offered vocational training in jobs such as hairdressing and catering. This essential opportunity enables them to learn a skill and to build a future for themselves. The training will allow them to work for a local business or to set up their own business. To enable them to start their own business EveryChild also offers them the opportunity to join a community credit scheme which loans them money so they can change their own life by setting up their business and supporting themselves and their family. Ultimately, and most importantly, this enables vulnerable girls to take control of their lives and take themselves off the street.

It costs just £130 to provide a vulnerable street child with the support and training they need to start their own independent life through employment or self-employment.

Lishan comes from a poor family in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa. When she was 12 years old, because of an impossible situation at home, she decided to run away. She lived on the streets for five years surviving by begging and selling anything she could find. Living on the dangerous streets of Addis meant that she was extremely vulnerable to being forced into a life of prostitution.

Luckily for Lishan, her life turned around when she met EveryChild. She was referred to a safe home where she was trained as a hairdresser and attended evening education classes. After years of coping alone, they reunited her with her mother with whom she now lives, along with her two younger brothers and younger sister. With the money she earns from hairdressing, Lishan can now help provide for her family.