Amarech's Story

Amarech was raised in Arba Minch, a town in southern Ethiopia. As she grew older, her parents recognized her academic strengths and enrolled her in the best school in the region. She was a top student until her life was upended in 10th grade, when her mother fell gravely ill. Amarech left school to care for her, but her mother’s condition worsened and she pssed away months later. The loss left Amarech and her family heartbroken.

Tamirat, Amarech, & their son Natnael (2025)

During this time, Amarech found comfort in her relationship with a fellow student named Tamirat. After her mother’s passing, the two married and began a happy, stable life together in Arba Minch. Tamirat secured a government desk job and served as a pastor at their church, while the couple started their family. Three years after the birth of their fourth child, Natnael, they moved to Addis Ababa in search of better opportunities. In the capital, Tamirat continued working in a government position and preaching, while Amarech began work as a teacher’s assistant at a preschool, enrolling Natnael there so she could care for him during the day.

Natnael and Amarech, July 2025

For several years, the family thrived – until a series of hardships changed everything. Tamirat’s mother fell seriously ill and came to the city for medical treatment. Tamirat dedicated himself to her care, but the demands caused him to miss too much work, and he was let go from his job. Around the same time, Amarech gave birth to their fifth child, Mintesinot, and had to leave her job to care for the newborn. Overnight, the family’s two sources of income vanished. They couldn’t afford even the modest registration fees for public school, and their children were turned away. Desperate, they borrowed money from neighbors to get their children back into school. Tamirat’s occasional preaching brought in minimal income, and Amarech, willing to do anything, tried working construction jobs — until employers dismissed her, saying she wasn’t strong enough for the labor.

Amarech with sons Natnael and Mintesinot

In crisis, the family turned to the Lelt Foundation. Four years ago, they were accepted into the program, and Natnael was enrolled in Lelt’s education initiative. He received school supplies, daily meals, and after-school tutoring to help him thrive academically. Recognizing his exceptional abilities, Lelt enrolled him in a nearby private school. “He is a genius,” Amarech says proudly. “He is always passionate about learning something new. He has great talent in mathematics and loves solving large and complicated problems.”

In February, Amarech joined Lelt’s adult education program and received a full scholarship to pursue her teaching certificate — reviving her dream of becoming a kindergarten teacher. With steady support and renewed purpose, this resilient family is building a future filled with promise and hope.