The fourth of seven children, Selamawit lives with her parents, one sister, and five brothers. Her father is a skilled traditional cloth maker, while her mother manages the busy household. Outside of school hours, Selamawit helps with daily chores, balancing family responsibilities with her studies. She especially enjoys Amharic but applies the same dedication to all her subjects.
Everywhere back to school
Back-to-school season brings excitement — but also tough choices for many families. In Ethiopia, health often falls to the bottom of the list, and children too often leave school because of untreated vision problems.
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Support our Back to School initiative today and help more children like Selamawit see a brighter future.
Selamawit’s Story:
At Dorze Holo Primary School in Ethiopia, the Orbis team met Selamawit, a bright and determined eighth-grade student with big dreams for the future. Despite facing vision challenges, she recently earned fourth place in her class — a remarkable achievement that reflects both her talent and determination.
Family Life and Daily Responsibilities
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A Life-Changing Pair of Glasses
Selamawit dreams of becoming a doctor one day, driven by her desire to help those in her community who suffer from illness. Yet for some time, her path was made harder by an uncorrected refractive error. She struggled to see clearly in class, making it difficult to follow lessons and keep up with her peers.
Everything changed when Orbis supported a school screening programme at her school. During the screening, her vision problem was identified — and soon after, she received a pair of prescription glasses. With her sight corrected, Selamawit has regained her confidence, and her academic performance continues to thrive.
The Journey to School
When the Orbis team visited her home the next day, they learned just how determined she is. Selamawit walks nearly 30 minutes to school each day. On sunny days, the journey through the hills is long but manageable; during the rainy season, the steep muddy paths and swollen rivers make it treacherous. Yet she never misses a day.
Selamawit story is a powerful reminder of how something as simple as a pair of glasses can change the course of a child’s life. With clear vision, Selamawit can focus on her studies, stay in school, and pursue her dream of becoming a doctor — proof that when children are given the tools they need, they can overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential.
