Dear Friends and Supporters, We write to you with full hearts after our recent journey to Ethiopia — a trip that reminded us why Kids.R.Ok exists and why your support matters so deeply. George and Allan traveled from Sweden to the vibrant capital city of Addis Ababa — a city alive with movement, ambition, and resilience. Ethiopia, home to over 120 million people, is often described as one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies over the past decade. Despite global challenges and internal conflicts in recent years, the country continues to demonstrate remarkable economic momentum and a young population determined to build a better future. You can feel that energy in Addis — cranes on the skyline, new developments rising, and an undeniable sense of forward motion. From Addis, we were grateful to take a connecting flight to Hawassa — a blessing that spared us an 8–10 hour road journey. That short flight saved precious time and energy, allowing us to focus fully on what truly mattered: the children. After an overnight stay in Hawassa, we left early the next morning for Halaba Kuleto — just 70 kilometers away, yet it took us nearly three hours to reach. The roads are barely there in places. Much of the local travel happens by donkey cart. We saw motorbikes carrying four or five people at once — something you truly need to see to believe.
It was both fascinating and humbling, a powerful reminder of how different daily life can be. Finally, we arrived at the orphanage home run by our dear friend Meaza Deneke. Five years ago, she began this home on land donated by the local government, after years of working with street children — providing food and basic education wherever she could. What started as compassion has grown into a sanctuary. This was our first visit to meet the children in person. We brought with us a large suitcase filled with toys, sports equipment, and educational materials. But nothing prepared us for the welcome we received. The children greeted us with two small tree plants — a symbol of growth and life. We shared a beautiful Ethiopian meal together — injera and goat meat tibs — laughter slowly replacing the initial shyness. We broke the ice with table tennis, badminton, football, Lego building, and UNO card games. Soon the yard was filled with joy. Smiles replaced uncertainty. Laughter echoed where once there had only been silence. Later, we sat down one by one with each child. For some, we cannot even determine their exact age — there are no records. Many were found living on the streets, surviving on scraps of food given to them or food they had to steal. Each child carries a story — stories of survival no child should ever have to live.
We met a boy whose face bears deep scars. When he was sleeping on the street beside his friend, a hyena attacked them in the night. His friend did not survive. The hyena caught his face, but by some miracle, he escaped. Another child showed us burn scars on his hand. Many carry invisible wounds — trauma from beatings, hunger, fear, and abandonment. And yet — they sang to us. They sang beautiful songs, full of hope. We prayed together. Before leaving, we told them to focus on their learning, to dare to dream, to believe they can become anything they aspire to be. We promised them we would walk alongside them in that journey. Thanks to you, every child in this home now attends a private school. Their school fees are fully paid. In addition, teachers come to the home to provide extra tutoring support. Education is no longer a distant dream — it is their daily reality. But there is still much to do. The home urgently needs to drill a borewell so they can access clean water and grow their own vegetables. There is also a pressing need to build separate accommodation for girls, ensuring safety and dignity as the home grows. This visit was not just a trip. It was the beginning of a long-term partnership in Ethiopia for Kids.R.Ok. We left Halaba Kuleto with hope in our hearts promising the children we would return.
None of this would be possible without you. Your generosity has transformed lives, not abstractly, but tangibly. Children who once slept on streets now sleep safely. Children who once begged now learn. Children who once feared the night now sing. Thank you for believing in them. Thank you for believing in us. This is only the beginning. With gratitude and hope.
- The Kids.R.Ok Team –
George and Allan