Dear America,

My name is Zubeda. I’m originally from a small city in the West Welega in the Oromia region in Ethiopia and I am currently living and working in Oregon. I have been in the US since 2004.

I’m writing to ask for your help for my niece Ifnan who lives in Ethiopia. She is nine years old, nonverbal, and she and her family are in urgent need of support. Her father, my brother, was a loving and devoted parent but he passed away during the COVID 19 pandemic. Since his death Ifanan’s condition has worsened. She is unable to communicate her needs, she often throws objects, hits others, pulls her hair and experiences seizures. She runs constantly and struggles to control her hands. Her siblings want to play with her but they don’t understand her behavior and are sometimes afraid.

I worry deeply for her safety and well-being. Three years ago, I submitted a petition for her family to come to the U.S. but it was denied. In Ethiopia children with disabilities face immense challenges, there are no special needs school or support systems in rural areas. Like where she lives. Ifnan was once enrolled in a regular school but was labeled “crazy” and dismissed because the school couldn’t accommodate her needs.

Her mother Tamima has struggled to find work while caring for Ifnan. In Ethiopian tradition mothers are expected to stay home and take care of the children. But Tamina is a widow with 4 children. One of these children, my niece Ifnan has severe autism. Affordable housing, childcare, and paying for extra help for a special a needs child Is virtually impossible. I send money when I can, especially during holidays and I’ve shared her story with the Autism Society hoping to raise awareness.

My first goal is to secure affordable housing for the family in Addis Ababa. Ideally near a center like the Nehemiah Autism Center in Addis Ababa where Ifnan can receive care and learn basic life skills. My second goal is to eventually open a daycare, though the costs of utilities, food, supplies, and rent are significant. According to Google a three-bedroom house in Addis Ababa costs around $124,000 in U.S. dollars to buy. Any funds that I raise I will use to buy better housing for my family so that they can move closer to the critical care that my niece requires.

I’m just one person, but as the saying goes, “Even a bed with four legs cannot cross a river without help.” I’m not asking for much, only for the chance to help Ifnan and her family to have the basic right to a supportive environment where she can grow, learn, and live a happy life.

Any help you can offer would mean the world to me, her mother and especially to Ifnan. Thank you for listening to my family’s story.

Sincerely, Zubeda Alkadir