In 1984, Ethiopia experienced devastating drought and hunger. Eisuke Kanda, who was the national director of Japan Food for the Hungry, visited Ethiopia to distribute food, water, and daily supplies to people who were dying due to lack of necessities. His ministry was published as a picture book “The Gentle and Compassionate Light in Gondar '', and translated into several languages. Eisuke Kanda established an NGO called “Friends of the Voiceless International (FVI)” in 2010. I joined FVI in 2011, and visited Ethiopia for the first time and learned about the ministry of partner organizations in 2013. Ethiopia is one of the fast-growing countries economically, yet, underprivileged children are still trapped in a cycle of poverty.

I joined a homegrown ministry that helps street children and girls exploited in prostitution. I was touched to see boys and girls being saved from the street and given a clean home, education, and skills to earn their own living.

 I also witnessed the negative side of humanitarian NGOs. Many children returned to the streets even after receiving aid. NGOs rely predominantly on donations from abroad such as Europe and the U.S., so their ministry is easily affected by recession and the global economy. In addition, leaders then tended to craft programs to appeal to western donors rather than catering to the real need in local communities.

 Children who are potential beneficiaries become afraid of being out of the “list of recipients” and they experience pressure before the eyes of NGO staff.

On perceiving these challenges, I started to consider ways of creating a relationship of mutuality between Ethiopia and Japan. “Saving” children from the streets and prostitution appeals to the humanitarian community and to donors. Yet, preventing children from even entering into street life before that happens is far more important. In Ethiopia, I came to know of a visionary who was previously a street child. As a result of his experiences, he developed dreams of improvement for Ethiopia. As I befriended him, I came to share his vision of prevention. To facilitate this vision, I established Musubime Works. I hope to prevent Ethiopian boys and girls from living on the streets through our business and activities. 

Founder of Musubime Works

Sayuri YUMOTO

～ In Ethiopia ～

• We work with Ethiopian partners to provide education, a healthy living environment for poor children, elementary school education, food service, free school operations in areas without public school, and care for street children and girls in prostitution.

• Many children are working despite being in school because of poverty. We advocate and  equip their parents, and initiate local businesses so that they can work and be self-sufficient economically.