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From Isolation to Empowerment: Firehiwot and Miheret's Story
Aster and her husband, Solomon, faced immense hardship in Arsi Robe town, struggling to provide for their two daughters, Miheret and Firehiwot. Both parents work and their combined income is not enough to cover their basic needs. Adding to their challenges, their family lives with HIV and stigma and fear prevented them from seeking proper medical care and their daughters got sicker and sicker.
Aster reached out to Christian Horizons Ethiopia (CHE) for support. Firehiwot and Miheret were added to the list for child sponsorship and were matched with sponsors in Canada. Thanks to sponsorship, their family started receiving much-needed financial support. CHE also provided counselling for the family to help them learn about HIV and antiretroviral medication that prevents the virus from damaging the immune system.
Firehiwot goes to CHE’s day program where she can hang out with children her age, eat nutritious meals, and learn new things. At school, Miheret is one of the top students in her grade and she dreams of becoming a doctor. Now in grade 11, Firehiwot plans to launch an HIV/AIDS awareness campaign during her summer break. She plans to work with local health and government officials, helping others to understand the virus and how to access treatment.
After receiving a business loan from CHE, Aster is also thriving. Her business has grown, allowing her to better support her family. Taking notes from her mother, Firehiwot has also started her own business selling chips to help her family and save for her university studies.
The family has moved from isolation to empowerment, with Miheret and Firehiwot excelling in school, Firehiwot advocating for HIV, and Aster building a brighter and more sustainable future.