Natnael, aka Nati, is 14 years old and in 7th grade at Repi Middle School in Karakore, Ethiopia.
 

Nati's mother, Welela, was orphaned at 16. She became a servant at a relative's home, and decided to marry Bereket to get out of a life of servitude. Bereket and Welela had 2 children, and Bereket decided they should move to the countryside to his home village. Welela knew there would be no work for them there and it would be disastrous for the family, so she refused to go. She now cares for Nati and his baby sister, Bethany, by herself. She works back-breaking manual labor jobs with the baby tied to her back to put food on the table. This family is struggling and needs support. If Nati is sponsored for $35/month, he will receive daily meals, after school tutoring, and basic medical care. If his family is sponsored for an additional $15 a month, they will all receive monthly food rations and medical care, and his mother will be given priority to enroll in our Family Business Program, where she will be empowered to start her own small business and earn an income.