In the streets of Addis Ababa, countless children face daily challenges that threaten both their safety and their futures. Within a Toybox-supported education project run by local partner CHADET, staff like Selamawit (pictured above) and Muse (Pictured below) are working tirelessly to change that. Through counselling, education, and emotional support, they’re helping street-connected children find hope, stability, and the chance to build a brighter future.
Selamawit, a community worker, has been with CHADET for nearly nine months. She discovered the role through a job vacancy and was encouraged by people around her to apply. Now, each day, she spends time with children who have experienced life on the streets, engaging them in outdoor activities, discussions about their life experiences, and games that entertain and educate at the same time.
Selamawit shares; “Sometimes I feel discouraged and tired, especially when there are many challenges in finding the children and convincing them to enrol in the project, but when I see the gradual change and improvement in these children, I feel motivated and inspired. Their strong willingness to come to school, despite everything they face, gives me hope.”
These children face many obstacles. Both Selamawit and Muse speak about the dangers and insecurities of life on the streets. Many children have nowhere safe to sleep and face violence, exploitation, and a lack of trust from the communities around them. To cope with the cold nights and harsh realities, some turn to harmful substances, which can pull them into further difficulties and conflict with the police.
Meet Muse
Muse is an Education Facilitator teaching Amharic and mathematics. But his role extends beyond academics. He also keeps a close eye on the children’s well-being, guiding discussions about their lives and helping them reflect on their behaviours and experiences.
He shares; “I’m inspired by the daily improvements I see in the children. Their willingness to participate in lessons and activities, and their commitment to coming to the centre each day, motivates me. It makes me feel like my efforts are making a real difference.”
However, Muse also sees how fragile the children’s progress can be. Many children struggle to remember what they learn because they work or engage in different activities in the afternoons to earn money for daily survival. Drug use at night can leave them feeling dizzy or sleepy during lessons, making it difficult for them to concentrate or retain knowledge. Absences of two or three days are common, which disrupts their learning further.
The role of Counselling at the project
In the midst of these challenges, counselling and mental health support have become a vital part of CHADET’s work. Selamawit explains that many of the children feel isolated and carry emotional burdens that affect their ability to focus and learn.
She shares, “They feel depressed and have behavioural and emotional challenges in their daily life. Counselling helps them to come to school with a bright and stable mind, free from anxiety and worries. It helps with their behavioural and emotional difficulties.”
Selamawit has seen firsthand how regular counselling and follow-up can transform children’s lives. She reflects;
“There were children who had problems with anger. Through regular counselling, we’ve seen changes in them, both in the classroom and on the playground.”
Muse agrees, noting that while many children open up to him, some require specialised support. “Counselling is crucial, especially for children who struggle to talk about their issues or who have trust problems.”
witnessing Change and progress
Despite the many hurdles, both Selamawit and Muse speak with pride about the changes they have witnessed.
“At first, the children were aggressive and didn’t follow our rules. But, over time, they’ve become polite and respectful. Seeing them improve in class participation gives me hope that they have a chance to join formal school one day.”
Muse, too, finds encouragement in the children’s progress. “When I hear them talk about their dreams for the future and see them taking steps towards those goals, it renews my hope.”
Thanks to dedicated staff like Selamawit and Muse, and the children’s determination, new possibilities are opening where once there seemed none.
