Ihmma

From Hawassa to Addis

Ihmma, 11, (pictured above) was born and raised in Hawassa, around 200 km south of Addis Ababa, where she lived with her family in a rented house. Her father is blind and unable to work, which meant the family relied on begging for their livelihood.

Unable to manage living expenses in Hawassa, Imma’s family—including her father, mother, older sister, and her sister’s baby—migrated to Addis Ababa seeking better opportunities. However, high rents and limited job opportunities meant the family could not afford housing and were forced to live on the streets.

Working to suvive

For the past three years in Addis Ababa, Ihmma has been selling napkins to help support her family's income. She started working at a young age, seeing her parents continue to rely on begging and struggling daily for food and shelter. Ihmma prefers to work away from her living area to avoid harassment, she shares; “The boys who find me on the street try to bully me and mock me when I work.”

a chance for education

Despite these challenges, Ihmma always wanted an education. She shares; "Before I felt bored and sad because I couldn’t attend school like other children." Through her friend, she was connected to CHADET's informal education centre. She continues; “One of my friends is in this project and she told me about the place and what I would get if I came. She asked me to come with her one day,”

Being accepted into the non-formal school has been a turning point for Ihmma. She shares; “I feel like I know many new things and feel happy. Mathematics is my favourite lesson because I find it easier to understand."

Ihmma’s daily routine now includes attending school in the morning, selling napkins in the afternoon, and sometimes looking after her father. Through the CHADET project, she receives educational materials, food, and hygiene support. She appreciates the encouragement from staff, which makes her feel welcomed. She shares; “Taking a shower and attending the classes,” is what she enjoys most about project activities.

positive changes

Ihmma's behaviour has changed since joining the project. She reflects; "At the project I've learned to share what I have with others and to do things in harmony."

A staff member shares; "Ihmma used to isolate herself from her classmates during playtime and outside the classroom. She didn’t participate. Now, she is more active and happy. She also has friends in her classroom.”

Ihmma clearly values education highly. She explains; "If you get proper education it will be a way to have a better future and to change life for better.”

hopes and dreams

Looking ahead, Ihmma hopes to finish school and leave street life behind. In the future, she wants “to become a police officer and protect my community."

Ihmma also dreams of having her own project, "who can help old people." She also wants to learn to cook so she can prepare food for her family and for older people when she has her own organisation.

Ihmma spends her free time washing clothes and enjoys helping others. She says she is good at language, maths, and supporting friends. She concludes;“My mum is the most influential person in my life. She is a strong woman. She does anything for her family to protect us and keep us safe.”

Pictured below: Ihmma studying at the education centre in Addis Ababa.