Nebile Kumdin – a Student Profile

July 11, 2016

Because No One Should Have To Go It Alone…“I can hold my dream in my hand.”  – Nebile Kumdin

Nebile, 10, is a grade 4 student whose grandmother believed in him when no one else would. She has encouraged the determination and hard work he shows in school, earning him the admiration of anyone with an eye for promise.

Nebile was born and raised in Cherkose, Kirkos sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where the most economically destitute people live. He hails from a poor family, where hardships and problems come in bundles. Nebile’s parents divorced before his memories begin.  In his neighborhood theft, drug addiction, unemployment, and dropping out of school is routine.  In a world where no one would give little Nebile a chance, his grandmother stepped up and took him in.  Now that he is 10, they keep an eye out for each other.

Nebile understands the difficulties his guardian faces. Grandma has no income.  It is not expected for a child in this situation to attend school.  But that was not an option for this woman.  When she heard about Fregenet Kidan Lehitsanat, she set about registering her grandson.  His teachers tell us that from kindergarten, Nebile showed promise despite his immense struggles at home where survival is an accomplishment.  He is a role model in his behavior and his concern for his fellow students.  But that’s not all. “I don’t want to be a regular child who comes to school to just count the grades,” he says. “I want be the smartest boy of all and I want to make my grandmother proud.  I want to be an engineer in the future who serves his country.”

Fregenet Kidan Lehitsanat School strives to offer hope of a better future for children like Nebile.  Join us in lifting up the courage of children who believe they can “hold their dreams in their hand” in spite of daunting obstacles.  Nebile finishes his time at Fregenet Kidan Lehitsanat School at the end of this school year and will transfer to a public school for grade 5.  FKL will continue to be a partner with his grandmother as he continues to chase his dreams, because no one with Nebile’s qualities should have to struggle alone.

The Fregenet Foundation