Shelley & Helmy's Ethiopia Trip 2024: Training at Busajo

Just one of the reasons Helmy and Shelley are so impressed with Busajo is the fact they are training the older children a trade so they can earn a living. Bamboo furniture making, welding (look at the hospital examination beds they are now making), woodworking and cabinetry, soap making, fabric and leather furniture creation, weaving and tailoring are all skills being taught at Busajo.

The trades they teach have grown incredibly over the past few years. Sales of the goods they make help financially support the project. Bravo Busajo … Bravo!!!!

Shelley & Helmy's Ethiopia Trip 2024: Clothes & Activities for Busajo

It is always a pleasure to bring needed clothing and activities for the children at Busajo in Soddo. Marcella, Director and Bezuayehu, Staff Director are the heart and soul of this most extraordinary work.

They give their whole lives to help youth living on the streets in Soddo. When we sat with Marcella during the children’s dinner time, she said quietly to us (looking at all the children), “this is my tribe, this is my salary.” Those words say it all!

Thank you Marcella and Bezuayehu for your devotion, selflessness and love you show every day to the children you care for! If you would like to learn more about this incredible organization, please visit https://www.busajo.org/en/our-story.

Helmy also captured a special moment for Shelley at Busajo. Playing with and cuddling the children are some of Shelley’s favourite times on each trip!

Donor Profile: Jessica Watson

by Megan Stacey

For Jessica Watson, it’s all about the kids.

She’s always had a soft spot for little ones – even building her life’s work around that passion.

And for the past few years, she’s dedicated consistent, monthly donations to the children of Busajo through Mothers with a Heart for Ethiopia.

She first heard about MWAHFE through her grandmother, who bought tickets to Gems & Java. What Jessica heard there tugged at her heartstrings.

“Shelley was just so honest and real about what was going on in Ethiopia. Seeing her heart for those people, I know it moved everyone in the room – but it moved me, really,” Jessica said.

“Even though we all can’t go out in the world or move somewhere, we can still help in other ways with the resources we have. That really struck me.”

It inspired her to become a regular donor. The project, naturally, was Busajo.

“Those kids are getting an education and they’re developing skills and creating community. It just really, really hit a deep chord in my heart.”

— Jessica

“Those kids are getting an education and they’re developing skills and creating community. It just really, really hit a deep chord in my heart,” Jessica said.

“I really believe that if you want to see change in the future, you have to start with children. They’re so impressionable and they just desire love. To me, that’s so important, to give love.”

Watson is showing her love for the children of Ethiopia in a tangible way, with a consistent monthly donation to Busajo.

“It’s a constant income they can count on,” she said. Charitable giving is a priority for Watson, though she’s incredibly humble about her efforts.

“You see that good things are happening and lives are being changed.”

— Jessica

“I really think we’re so blessed here. For me, I like to give 10% away of whatever I make,” she said. “If we just hoard all our money, nothing is going to change.”

And Watson is very comfortable directing some of her hard-earned cash to support MWAHFE.

“It just makes you feel good. You know where your money is actually going,” she said.

More specifically, she’s able to see the results of those donations, the difference that her funds are making in the lives of Ethiopian children.

“You really do know something by its fruit,” Watson said.

“(With MWAHFE), you see that good things are happening and lives are being changed.”