An orphan is now safe and has renewed hope after being supported to leave the streets where he was vulnerable to human trafficking.
Alemu*, now aged 15, was raised by his older sister following the death of their parents. The months that followed were a struggle, trying to manage his grief whilst being mistreated by his sister.
Facing pressure from his peers and increasing financial difficulty, Alemu felt he had no choice but to leave his hometown in northwest Ethiopia and go in search of work to survive.
Children on the streets in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Photo: Robin Hammond/Panos
He made the journey to the capital, Addis Ababa, but the reality of life on the streets was harsh and challenging, especially for a child.
Alemu moved between rubbish heaps and marketplaces in search of work. He carried luggage and collected scraps of materials to sell in exchange for money. At night, he slept on verandas alongside other street-connected children.
There are approximately 600,000 children living and/or working on the streets in Ethiopia, who may be exposed to physical violence, transactional sex, substance abuse and sexual assault, as well as HIV and other diseases (Ministry of Women, Children and Youth, Ethiopia, COVID Series, 2020). Hope for Justice is working to protect street-connected children who are at heightened risk of being targeted by traffickers and forced or coerced into modern slavery.
Thankfully for Alemu, after one month on the streets, he was found by the Integrated Family Service Organization (IFSO) – an NGO that focuses on mitigating the plight of children in difficult circumstances in Ethiopia.
Staff from IFSO referred Alemu to Hope for Justice and he came to stay at one of our Lighthouses – safe havens for children who have been exploited, or who are at risk of exploitation.
When he arrived, our nurses conducted a medical examination which found Alemu was HIV-positive. He was immediately started on antiretroviral therapy.
Alemu stayed at the Lighthouse for about two months, receiving comprehensive support, including shelter, food, clothing, and valuable life skills.
Continuing his education and receiving counselling have been crucial steps in his recovery.
A member of staff at Hope for Justice said: “Alemu’s journey is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Discovering that he had HIV likely added another layer of complexity to his situation, which required him to have immense strength and resilience. Thankfully, organisations like Hope for Justice are here to provide holistic care and to empower young people like Alemu to face and overcome their challenges.”
Hope for Justice has worked alongside government agencies to find Alemu safe accommodation at an orphanage where he will receive ongoing support and care.
Our team member added: “Alemu’s determination is awe-inspiring. His story reminds us of the transformative power of compassion, understanding and human connection.”
*Name changed to protect identity of the survivor
Find out more about Hope for Justice’s approach to ending modern slavery.
