From the Streets to a Future: Mitike’s Story

By Melinda Sallé, Development Director

I met Mitike in 2018 on one of my first trips to Ethiopia. During my visit to a girls’ orphanage, she immediately stood out to me.

Mitike was outgoing, bright, and full of questions. She spoke English well, which made it easy for us to communicate, but what struck me most was her determination. She wanted to learn. She wanted to build a better life. And she was bold enough to ask for help.

I could see her potential.

A Young Woman with Big Dreams

I asked Mitike about her goals and dreams, and I began sponsoring her education through high school graduation. After high school, she entered Bete Hosanna, where she had the opportunity to continue learning, growing, and preparing for independence in a safe and supportive environment.

Mitike had always been a leader. She was a leader at the orphanage, and she quickly became one at Bete Hosanna, too. She was hardworking and determined, but perhaps most importantly, she began to believe in herself.

Over the years, I watched Mitike go from a place of fear and uncertainty to a place filled with hope, confidence, and big dreams for her future.

And today, those dreams are becoming reality.

From Bete Hosanna to a Career

Since graduating from Bete Hosanna, Mitike has worked hard to build a career for herself.

She began working in housekeeping at a prestigious hotel and was eventually promoted to manager. Then she earned an opportunity at an even better hotel.

But Mitike isn't stopping there.

Her goal is to become a pastry chef, and she is currently taking classes to pursue that dream at the hotel where she works.

And her life is full in other beautiful ways, too. Mitike is married to a wonderful man and is the proud mother of a little girl who is celebrating her first birthday this week.

When I look at Mitike today, I see so much more than the young girl I met in 2018. I see a woman who is working hard, dreaming boldly, building a family, and trusting God with her future.

Her Story Is Why Bete Hosanna Matters

Mitike's story is a beautiful picture of what can happen when a young woman is given more than a temporary solution. She was given an opportunity to learn, grow, develop skills, and discover what she was capable of.

But many more girls need that opportunity.

Every month, young women in Ethiopia age out of orphanages at 18 and face adulthood without the support, resources, or safe place they need to build a future.

Bete Hosanna offers another path.

Through a safe home, education, counseling, job training, and practical life skills, Bete Hosanna helps young women prepare for independence and pursue a future filled with hope.

Since 2018, 34 girls have been given the opportunity to build new lives through Bete Hosanna. And because the need continues to grow, we have even opened a second home.

Help Write the Next Story

Mitike's story reminds us what is possible when a young woman is given a safe place to live, someone who believes in her, and the opportunity to discover her God-given potential.

There are more girls waiting for that opportunity.

Your gift today can help provide a safe home, education, job training, and hope for a young woman who is just beginning to dream about her future.

Because every girl deserves the chance to discover what her future can hold.