Hermela, our Senior Social Worker in Ethiopia, recently participated in an interview where she shared her insights and passion for AJ’s mission, giving us all a chance to get to know her better and understand her dedication to our work to empower orphans, vulnerable children, and their families.
Would you be willing to share about your family?
I live with my family, I’m the youngest of the family with two older brothers
Can you tell us a bit about your background and what led you to work with Addis Jemari?
Before I came to AJ I was an officer with a company named Transparency. My former boss knew a coordinator at AJ and that’s how I began working here. Originally I was the education assistant for both AJ Home and Family Empowerment Program, but now I serve as senior social worker.
What’s something you have noticed that has changed since working at AJ?
I’ve seen so much positive progress with each child since they began with our program.
What do you find most rewarding about working with AJ/FEP/AJ Home?
I love working with kids, I volunteered for a year with AJ, and spending time with the children was a great foundation for me knowing what I wanted to do all the time. I also work with the mothers, and at the end of the day when I see them writing their own names and interested in what they learned, for example, numbers, it makes me very happy to know they have learned something. The literacy lessons happen usually before training, and many moms come in early to take that lesson. Most of these moms never learned beyond 2nd grade.
Can you share a memorable moment or success story from your time working with Addis Jemari?
We had this child, when she first came she was so distant and shy, never talked, always by herself isolated. Now she is so social, she plays, she fights for what she wants. Being here truly has changed her, she feels safe. At home her next sibling is 10 years older, here she can play with children the same age, it has been a huge impact on how her life has changed.
What are some challenges you face in your role, and how do you overcome them?
I think absenteeism is the biggest challenge because, with consistency, you see results, and if they can’t be here all the time, it makes it harder to continue our work. Some of these moms have to be at work, and it’s hard for them to make a choice, so we try to give them a backup day so that our classes can work with their schedules.
Outside of work, what are some of your interests or hobbies?
I like spending time with my friends, talking about different topics, as a hobby, I like to photograph, and I also like to write.
Are there any books/quotes/scriptures that inspire you in your leadership journey?
I always have this quote in my mind and I had it also in my yearbook when I graduated. “Be the change you want to see in the world.” If everyone would abide by this, our world will be so much better and peaceful.”
What is one thing you want our AJ Family to know about Ethiopia?
Ethiopia is a country of many many cultures, I feel everyone is truly kind. Deep down there is so much goodness in each person.
Your support empowers dedicated team members like Hermela. By learning more about her commitment to our mission, you can see how your generosity directly impacts our ability to empower those we serve.