Our Story
For over 20 years, we've been transforming the lives of street children in Ethiopia through education, care, and unwavering belief in their potential.
Our Mission
We believe that every child deserves a chance to be a child. Every single one deserves nutritious food, quality education, medical care, and most importantly—hope.
In Ethiopia, approximately 200,000 children live on the streets, facing impossible odds. They've experienced trauma, malnutrition, and have been denied access to education and opportunity.
Our Philosophy
"Helping people to help themselves" — We don't create dependency. We build self-confidence and equip children with the tools to master their own lives in Ethiopian society.
Our Core Values
Action Oriented
We don't just talk about problems—we take concrete action to solve them every single day.
Compassion Driven
Every decision is guided by deep empathy for the children and families we serve.
Impact Focused
We measure success by real, measurable change in children's lives and futures.
Transparency First
100% of our German team works as volunteers. Every penny goes directly to the children.
Our Journey
Foundation Year
Etagegne and Marius founded Let me be a child e.V. after witnessing street children in Ethiopia.
First Day Care Center
Opened our first day care center in Addis Ababa, providing meals, education, and care for 20 children.
Expansion Phase
Expanded to second location in Doyogena, doubling our reach and impact across Ethiopia.
100 Children Milestone
Reached milestone of supporting 100+ children through comprehensive programs including education.
Apprenticeship Program
Launched vocational training and apprenticeship programs for sustainable employment.
55 Graduates
Celebrated 55 children who graduated and now have independent, self-determined lives.
The Crisis & Our Response
The Problem
- •200,000+ children living on Ethiopian streets
- •Most receive less than one meal per day
- •No access to education or healthcare
- •Vulnerable to exploitation and trafficking
- •Girls face additional discrimination
Our Solution
- ✓Three nutritious meals daily at our centers
- ✓Quality education with experienced teachers
- ✓Medical care and health programs
- ✓Vocational training for independence
- ✓Special focus on girls' education (78%)
Transformations
Found on the streets of Addis Ababa at age 8, traumatized and malnourished
- •No family contact or support system
- •Severe malnutrition and health issues
- •No schooling or literacy skills
- •Vulnerable to trafficking
- •Zero confidence or hope
Amina, 15
Achievements
- ✓Completed primary education with top grades
- ✓Now in secondary school studying science
- ✓Healthy weight and good medical care
- ✓Strong bond with family
- ✓Confident, articulate, ambitious
Amina dreams of becoming a teacher to help other street children. We're supporting her path to secondary graduation and eventual teacher training.
Living on streets since age 7 after losing parents to disease
- •Illiterate and no formal education
- •Working as a street vendor for survival
- •No skills or job prospects
- •Chronic health issues untreated
- •No hope for future independence
Dawit, 18
Achievements
- ✓Completed literacy program
- ✓Finished carpentry apprenticeship
- ✓Now employed as a skilled carpenter
- ✓Earning independent income
- ✓Supporting younger siblings
Dawit recently opened his own small carpentry workshop. He's now mentoring other youth in our program, showing them that transformation is possible.
Why This Matters
Street children are not problems to be managed. They are human beings—children—who deserve the same opportunities, safety, and love that all children deserve. When we invest in education, health, and care, we're not just changing individual lives. We're breaking cycles of poverty, preventing future crises, and building stronger, more compassionate communities.
Our Commitment to Transparency
German team works on volunteer basis
of donations go directly to children
administrative fees or overhead
We believe accountability is sacred. Every euro donated has a direct impact on a child's life.
Be Part of the Change
Now that you understand our story, learn how you can help write the next chapter for Ethiopia's children.