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Uplifting Whole Families: Sumeya's Story
Sumeya is a grade eight student who lives in Bekoji, Ethiopia with her mom, dad, and two younger siblings. Before using services from Christian Horizons Ethiopia (CHE), a partner of Karis Disability Services, their family struggled to live on their dad's one income as a security guard. Sumeya was also having a hard time at school.
Sumeya has a hearing impairment and although that never stopped her from wanting to do well in school, her teachers were not equipped to support her needs. She fell behind and was no longer allowed in class.
In June 2019, Sumeya’s life changed when she was sponsored through CHE. Through child sponsorship, Sumeya started attending an accessible school with teachers who could accommodate her disability. The program also provided her family with financial support, school supplies. In addition, Sumeya’s mom took entrepreneur classes that helped her start a business.
With a second income, Sumeya’s parents could afford to buy her a hearing aid which helped her do even better in school. On the weekends, Sumeya and her siblings go to CHE for programs and events where Sumeya’s confidence and social skills have improved so much. She especially loves doing Taekwondo with other students with disabilities.
Now in grade eight, there is some uncertainty about her future, especially as accessible education options for higher grades are limited. Regardless of the barriers she faces, Sumeya dreams of being an accessible education teacher to give back to students just like her.