Mintesinot’s Story

In the heart of Karakore — a vibrant yet struggling neighborhood on the outskirts of Addis Ababa — lives nine-year-old Mintesinot Gashaw, a bright and kind-hearted nine-year-old who radiates joy despite the burdens he quietly carries. As a fourth grader at Repi Japan Primary School, Mintesinot loves learning Amharic, running, and playing football with friends. But behind his cheerful spirit lies a reality marked by hardship. His mother, Maritu, supports Mintesinot and his three siblings through a small roadside shop, barely earning enough to get by. Meanwhile, the children’s father, gripped by addiction, casts a long shadow over their home, leaving Maritu to carry the burden of parenting and survival alone.

Mintesinot at Lelt's community center

Maritu’s story is one of remarkable determination. Years ago, she traveled to Dubai to work as a domestic laborer, sending her earnings home in hopes of building a better life. When she returned to Ethiopia, she used her savings to buy a small plot of land and construct a modest house near the riverbank, making a fresh start for her family. But instead of peace, she found herself confronting the toll of her husband's alcoholism. With her eldest son, Mikiyas, clashing with his father, and a baby less than a year old, Maritu has never stopped fighting—for stability, for education, and for her children’s future.

Maritu with children Mintesinot and Hana

At Lelt Foundation, we believe families like Mintesinot’s deserve more than survival — they deserve a path to thrive. We’re launching two transformative initiatives for this family: Maritu will receive an interest-free loan through our Income Generating Activities Program to restock and grow her shop, building toward financial stability. Meanwhile, Mikiyas will participate in a two-month summer course in computer literacy and coding, opening doors to future opportunity. In Mintesinot, we see more than a child facing adversity — we see a spark of hope, a story of strength, and the reason we do this work.

Mintesinot, front, playing at Lelt's community center