This is the full story that appeared in Lalmba’s 2025 Christmas Newsletter. You can view the full newsletter here.
By Atinafu Yohanis, Ethiopia Country Director
Lalmba holds a great history in my life, as I was once one of the children they supported. After losing my family, I was utterly disappointed—my dream of an education seemed impossible. I thought my future would only be as a farmer or a common laborer.
But Lalmba stepped in, providing essential support like school materials and medical care. I was living with my uncle for a time, but when he passed away, I struggled desperately to find shelter. Lalmba took the extraordinary step of paying my rent so I could continue my studies with stability and hope.
That single act of support changed everything. I was able to continue my education and, through determination, have now become the Ethiopia Country Director for Lalmba.
When I serve these children today, I see myself in their eyes and am reminded that I am living proof of the hope Lalmba provides. I realize that Lalmba acts as a real mother and father, giving not just resources, but a chance at a fulfilling life. This is the greatest history I have—it’s my life.
Atinafu’s story is a profound reminder that the support you provide today doesn’t just change a child’s life — it can change the future of an entire community. He saw his dream of an education fade, feeling his future was limited to farming or a common labor. But because of steady, practical support, his path changed entirely.
Today, thanks to your support, Lalmba continues to walk alongside children who face the same desperate challenges that Atinafu once did. In both Kenya and Ethiopia , the Reaching Children at Risk (RCAR) program is the quiet commitment that makes the difference for about 1,300 children (~1,200 in Kenya and ~100 in Ethiopia).
Just like the support Atinafu received—school fees, medical care, and a stable place to live—RCAR provides essential resources:
When Atinafu looks at the children Lalmba serves today, he sees himself. He is a reminder of how Lalmba works.
Our belief is simple: the future of these communities must be led by the people who live there. Lalmba is different from many organizations because we do not send large groups of foreign volunteers to manage the daily work. Instead, our clinics and our children’s programs are run entirely by dedicated, long-term local staff.
We invest in training, education, and promoting leaders like Atinafu. This is why your gift matters so much. You are not just funding a temporary fix. You are investing in the dignity and capacity of local people to lead their own communities into a healthier, hopeful future.