Love for Children and Mothers is a non-governmental humanitarian organization established in 2016 to support children and mothers living in vulnerable situations in Ethiopia. The organization is registered and licensed by the government of Ethiopia as a non-governmental humanitarian organization.
Addis Ababa is often celebrated for its rapid urbanization, economic growth, and cultural significance. However, beneath the city’s progress lies a distressing reality faced by one of the most vulnerable segments of the population: single mothers with young children who are homeless and forced to beg on the streets.
Many of these women find themselves on the streets due to a combination of factors, including displacement by conflict, abandonment by their partners, the death of a spouse, or the inability to find employment due to a lack of skills. With no stable income, they are unable to afford housing, forcing them and their children to live on the streets, exposed to harsh weather conditions, violence, and health risks. For these mothers, the primary concern is the well-being of their children. However, the lack of food and shelter makes it nearly impossible to provide even the most basic care.
One of the most significant challenges faced by these women is the lack of employment opportunities. The city’s job market is highly competitive, and without formal education or vocational training, these women find themselves at a severe disadvantage. The absence of skills limits their options to low-paying, unstable jobs, if any, making it difficult to secure a steady income. Moreover, even when opportunities arise, caring for young children is a significant barrier to employment. Childcare services are either non-existent or unaffordable for these women, leaving them with no choice but to stay with their children. This situation creates a vicious cycle: without work, they cannot afford childcare, and without childcare, they cannot work. As a result, many are forced to resort to begging as their only means of survival, perpetuating their state of poverty.
The children of these single mothers bear the brunt of the harsh realities of street life. Growing up in an environment of extreme poverty, they are deprived of education, proper nutrition, and healthcare. The lack of education means that these children are likely to continue the cycle of poverty into adulthood, as they, too, will struggle to find employment without the necessary skills. The psychological impact on these children is profound. The constant exposure to the hardships of street life, including hunger, physical and sexual violence, and the instability of not having a home, can lead to long-term emotional and behavioral issues. These children are also more susceptible to exploitation, trafficking, and abuse, further endangering their futures.
In recognition of the plight of homeless single mothers in Addis Ababa, Love for Children and Mothers has provided various social and economic support. Since its establishment, Love for Children and Mothers provided social and financial support to a total of 500 mothers and 560 children. Besides, love for children and mothers provided food and clothing for a total of 1,400 mothers and children displaced by conflict and provided clothes and psychosocial support for 150 patients admitted to the hospital for a long period of time.
