Ethiopia | Bekelech’s Story of Hope Amid Devastating Loss

Bekelech Cheru, 40, knows loss like few others. In the violence that ravaged her community in the Ephrata Gideim Woreda of Ethiopia’s Amhara region, she lost her son, husband, and brother. With nothing left but her children—Daniel, Kidist, and Habtamu—and her elderly mother, Emeyu Zerga, Bekelech faced a harsh reality. The conflict not only stripped her of her loved ones but also took away her family’s livelihood, leaving them without an income. The combined effects of climate change—intensified drought, crop failure, and shrinking resources—left the land barren and offered little hope for the future.

When Bekelech’s situation seemed most desperate, CLWR’s partner, LWF Ethiopia, stepped in, providing her family with life-saving food aid, including cereals, pulses, and vegetable oil. This support gave Bekelech the strength to survive when everything felt uncertain, offering both the nourishment her family needed and a glimmer of hope amidst the despair. The aid was a lifeline, allowing her to focus on rebuilding when all seemed lost.

Now, with the worst of the initial crisis behind her, Bekelech is relying on her own strength and the support of her family and community to rebuild. Though the pain of loss still lingers, she is no longer just surviving—she is moving forward. Every day, Bekelech draws on the resilience she’s built, finding strength in her children’s laughter, her mother’s wisdom, and the solidarity of those around her. The journey is not easy, but Bekelech is determined. With the ongoing support of her family, community, and the help she continues to receive, she is laying the foundation for a future where her children can dream again and where hope begins to outweigh the hardship.