Tigist lives in Ethiopia with her mother and grandmother. Tigist’s father abandoned their family and, shortly after, Tigist’s mom became sick — so sick, in fact, that she can’t get out of bed.
Tigist’s grandmother was forced to beg to get enough food for the three of them. When there wasn’t food at home, Tigist would ask a friend at school who had extra if they would share. Many times, Tigist would just drink water and spend her time at school hungry.
One day, a neighbor told Tigist’s family about a new Convoy of Hope feeding program at the school. Tigist’s teachers knew about her family’s struggles, so they accepted her into the program.
Now when there’s no food at her home, Tigist knows she will still eat a meal at school.
“We get what we need,” she says. “If we are not full enough, we ask for more, and they give it to us.”
Tigist is very eager about her studies and education. “Right now, I am a kid,” she says. “When I can stand by myself in the future, I have the responsibility to take care of them. Once I complete my education, I will get a job, and I will take care of my family.”
“If that’s the wish of God, I’ll be the one to make that difference.”
