Ending Human Trafficking Ethiopia Project #69722

Support survivors of child trafficking in Ethiopia

by Hope for Justice

Project Report | Jan 14, 2026
A Story of Hope

By Melissa Hornby | Strategic Partnerships Manager

Boys Lighthouse, Sports Play

A teenage boy in Ethiopia is now able to return to school after poverty left him farming drugs to earn a living. When he was four years old, Degu (name changed to protect identity) was separated from his mother and father and raised by his grandmother. The family struggled financially, and Degu's grandmother could not provide necessities such as food and clothing. So, aged 12, Degu dropped out of school to find work and an income. A friend got him into farming khat, a local drug which users chew to act as a natural stimulant. There, Degu was subjected to hunger and physically abused by some of the older boys who were working on the farm. Degu's grandmother did not know that he was being exploited and abused. She was glad he was working and providing the money they needed. The situation came to a head, and Degu fled. Degu began to live and work on the street. It was here that Hope for Justice's outreach team found him. We worked with the boy and, through cooperation, rescued him from his dangerous and vulnerable situation. He received care and support at the Lighthouse, safe accommodation, food, counselling, medical treatment, and education. Two weeks later, he was reunited with his parents so that he could return to school and continue with his studies. We provided his family with counselling about the effects of exploitation on children. Degu's mother has received an Income Generating Activity (IGA) grant from Hope for Justice and basic training in small business skills.

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Sep 17, 2025
The 3,000th Child Survivor

By Melissa Hornby | Strategic Partnerships Manager

Canaan Lighthouse in Ethiopia, one of three Lighthouse shelters directly run by Hope for Justice in Africa, has provided short-term aftercare to 3,000 boys since it first opened its doors 18 years ago. Government officials, NGO representatives, law enforcement and other key partners were invited to the occasion in recognition of their contribution to the success of the project.

The 3,000th survivor, Kantusha*, is 14 years old. He was trafficked to Addis Ababa by his older brother and exploited for labour. Kantusha was forced to wander the streets with a set of portable scales, weighing people in exchange for money. He worked dawn to dusk, in all weathers. The Ethiopian Birrs that he earned were then taken by his brother. Other children in these situations typically live in overcrowded, cramped spaces with little food.

Kantusha eventually managed to run away from his brother but ended up living on the streets. Our outreach workers found him and invited him to join Canaan Lighthouse. There, he had access to various aftercare services, including shelter, clothing, nutritious food, medical care, catch-up education, counselling and life skills.

At the celebration event, Kantusha and other survivors delivered a performance to depict how children are trafficked and exploited within the weight measurement business. Their role-play demonstrated how children are abused by perpetrators, how Hope for Justice identifies at-risk children, assists in their recovery and reintegrates them with their families. Kantusha is very keen to learn and actively participates in his classes at the Lighthouse. He says he would like to continue his education. Our team of social workers have been able to successfully trace his family and are preparing for him to be reintegrated with his relatives.

All of the children who receive aftercare at our Lighthouses are either survivors of modern slavery or were previously at risk of exploitation. The children are referred to Hope for Justice or identified by our trained outreach workers who engage with them on the streets. Of the 3,000 boys who have been supported at Canaan Lighthouse, 2,779 have been reintegrated back into safe family settings. A total of 32 children have been assisted into independent living.

At the event, a Hope for Justice Social Worker, added: “Celebrating 3,000 children who have been freed from the hands of human trafficking is a truly remarkable and humbling achievement. Every number in that record signifies a voice restored, a future restored, and a life transformed. It is evidence of the persistent effort, unshakable optimism, and profound dedication that underpin all that we do at Hope for Justice. This is a plea to keep fighting until every child is free, not just a celebration of the progress that has been made. I appreciate being a part of this journey.”

*Name changed to protect identity of the survivor

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