Support survivors of child trafficking in Ethiopia

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.