Mekides is 7 years old, in kindergarten at Hidase Elementary School in Karakore, Ethiopia. Mathematics is her favorite subject, and she wants to be a doctor when she grows up.

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Mekides's mother, Tadelech, was sent by her family to work as a house maid when she was only 13 years old. Two years later, she was married to Teshome. They had 3 children, but Teshome cannot find stable employment, so he is a street cleaner. The job pays very little and the family isn't eating regularly. If Mekides is sponsored for $35/month, she will receive daily meals and after school tutoring. If her family is sponsored for $15 additional a month, they will all receive monthly food rations and medical care, and her parents will receive priority to enroll in our Family Business Program, where she will be empowered to start her own small business.