Every child possesses the potential to shape a nation’s future, yet many children are denied the opportunity to fulfill their potential due to economic, social, or political reasons. In Ethiopia, like in many other countries, the phenomenon of street children is a pressing issue that demands our attention.
Recently, the 6th DEBO Orphan Care Summit took place in Addis Ababa, bringing together stakeholders, NGOs, and orphanage workers to shed light on the importance of helping and adopting vulnerable children. The summit emphasized the need to encourage a culture of adoption within society.
Mamusha Fenta (PhD), a gospel teacher and participant at the summit, spoke to The Ethiopian Herald about the significant impact adoption can have on the lives of street children. He highlighted the spiritual and moral rewards of adopting these children, emphasizing that simply providing coins or food on the streets is insufficient to solve their problems. It is the responsibility of every Ethiopian to show kindness and compassion towards these orphaned children and provide them with a stable and nurturing home.
Yonatan Mengistu, a program manager at Make Your Mark, emphasized that children are precious gifts to our planet, holding the key to our collective future. He stressed that it is the duty of every citizen to nurture and care for these vulnerable children, regardless of their status or location. By nurturing them with love and support, we can empower them to become agents of positive change in society.
Saving a single child can have a profound impact on the entire nation. Taking care of orphans and street children should not solely be the responsibility of the government or NGOs; it is the duty of all humanity. While these children may have faced addiction or displayed challenging behavior, it is our responsibility to show them love, respect, and guide them towards a brighter future.
Ethiopian culture has a rich tradition of helping one another and promoting the adoption of children. This culture must be nurtured to support the unfortunate children who suffer from social and economic challenges. Whether through organized orphanages or through individual efforts, we should strive to cultivate a sense of love within their hearts. Family, in particular, plays a crucial role in nurturing productive and responsible citizens. While supporting vulnerable children within institutions, we must also create an atmosphere of familial affection. The organization “Make Your Mark” is actively working on prevention programs that support vulnerable children within their own families.
Children end up on the streets for various reasons, such as the lack of security or basic needs like food, shelter, and education. Abusive parents or divorce can also force children to leave their homes and seek refuge on the streets. Ensuring the safety and well-being of these children is a fundamental consideration for organizations like Make Your Mark, which strive to reunite orphaned children with their parents.
Make Your Mark also places a strong emphasis on the physical and psychological well-being of vulnerable children. Many of these children have experienced hardships and abuse, making it crucial to provide them with the necessary support and guidance to heal and grow.
Trent Post, an American citizen and the founder of Make Your Mark, had a personal experience with street adoption in Ethiopia. He had the opportunity to adopt a girl who was born on the street when she was just seven years old. Through the love and care provided by Trent and his wife, this little girl is now a third-year college student in the United States. Trent emphasizes that showing love and care is a responsibility, regardless of whether a child is born to us or adopted. It is the love and compassion that drives the decision to adopt and foster children, not wealth or resources.
Society must recognize the inherent worth and potential of every street child. By offering love, compassion, and practical assistance, we can provide a nurturing environment where these children feel valued and supported. Love means advocating for their rights, providing access to education, healthcare, nutrition, and shelter. It means working towards systemic changes that address the root causes of their predicament and creating a society that prioritizes their well-being.
Adopting street children is an opportunity to transform lives, not only for the children themselves but for the entire nation. It is a chance to nurture the potential that lies within each child and ensure they have the opportunities they need to thrive and contribute to society. Let us embrace the power of adoption and unlock the future of Ethiopia through the love and care we show to these vulnerable children.
