Help Lina and Liyan Return to School

These are my daughters, Lina and Liyan 11-year-old twins. We are Ethiopian, but they were born and raised in Saudi Arabia. I’ve been a full-time mom since the day they were born. I gave up everything to be by their side to support them, guide them, and encourage them in every way I could. And I’m so proud of them.

When they turned six, they were accepted into Manarat International School, one of the top schools in Saudi Arabia. They were excellent students—earning A+ grades, participating in class activities, sports, and art. They always came home with certificates and letters of recognition. I used to cry tears of joy seeing their achievements.

But when they entered 2nd grade, everything changed. After the first semester, COVID-19 hit, and schools shut down. Classes moved online. Like many families, we struggled financially during that time. We couldn’t pay the school fees, but thankfully the school allowed them to finish the year.

However, when the next school year came, they weren’t allowed to re-enroll because we still hadn’t paid the previous balance. We decided to homeschool them temporarily and save money, hoping they could return. Their father worked tirelessly, but between daily expenses and the huge amount we owed 67,000 Riyals it just wasn’t possible.

We couldn’t transfer them to another school either because every school required a clearance letter from the previous one, which we couldn’t get without paying the debt. And just like that, four years have passed. My daughters have not gone back to school since.

Every day, they ask me, “Why can’t we go to school? When will we go back? What’s going to happen next?” I don’t always have the answers. My heart breaks when I see their friends go to school, pass each grade, and grow. Meanwhile, my girls who should be in 6th grade by now are still at home, stuck at 2nd grade. They are growing taller, wiser, and more curious every day, but they’re not learning in the way they should.

This is my story my secret I’ve carried for four years. Today, I’m sharing it with an open heart.
I’m asking for help to give my daughters a chance to go back to school, to wear their uniforms again, to smile with pride as students, and to believe in their future once more.