Leila’s dedication to uplifting the girls at AJ Home and the families in our programs is truly inspiring. Below, Leila shares her story, her experiences at Addis Jemari, and her vision for the girls and the community she serves.
Tell us about your family and your background.
I come from a family of eight children, but we lost three siblings. We lost two brothers and one sister. When my sister passed away, she had some mental illness, but I didn’t have any clue. Now that I am a counselor and a clinical student, I have the knowledge and know-how, and I am always thinking about her. I think I could have helped her now.
I think I have found my calling as a counselor. The mothers at FEP come to talk to our staff when they are stressed, and I am able to apply my counseling. They feel relief and like they have someone to listen to them.
I counsel the girls at AJ Home. It is important to me to make the girls confident and self-aware. My passion is to prepare them to face problems, manage their emotions, learn time management, and learn about their strengths and weaknesses.
What do you love about AJ?
I want the girls at AJ Home to feel like they have a family, someone in their corner. I want to share my love and my care for each of them.
What changes have you seen in AJ in the past 4 years?
There has been a lot of change, especially with the staff. AJ is not like other organizations. It is a family. We will be here for the girls when they need anything.
What is most rewarding about the girls at AJ Home?
I see the girls growing and changing. They may not realize it themselves, but I see it. How they bond with their sisters, with their futures, everything. You just have to open their eyes to the opportunities they have been given and appreciate it, and know their futures are bright.
How does your role impact the girls and the community?
I think it is instrumental to help the girls define their strengths and weaknesses because if you know your weaknesses, you know where you can work to improve. Culturally, that is not always done in our country, and when the girls do this, they begin to experience life changes.
What story was memorable to you since working at AJ?
One of the girls at AJ Home wanted to leave because she was discouraged about education and her future. As a team, we worked with her and discussed her desire to leave and the why behind it, and she changed her mind. Now she’s thriving and making strides with economic empowerment with a side business, while focusing on education.
What are the challenges in your role?
It is hard to come in when the girls and the home already have a culture fit or system. I’ve had to come in with my counseling sessions and adapt to the processes of the house, and work to make necessary changes that is needed for the individual girls and the house as a whole. I work with the housemothers to help put those changes into place to make the house run smoother and give the girls what they need.
What are your hobbies?
Swimming (I used to be a competitive swimmer), flowers and gardening, going to church, reading books.
What would you want us to tell people in the US about Ethiopia that have never been?
I love the culture! The people treat each other like family. We all look out for each other. We don’t only think of ourselves, we think of our neighbors too.
What are your favorite holidays & holiday food?
I love my birthday and Christmas! My favorite meal is rice and chicken.
I just want to end by saying I am so happy to be a part of Addis Jemari!