Amen

Meet Amen, a vibrant 13-year-old student from Addis Ababa who wants to be a pilot when she grows up. In the seventh grade and armed with an infectious enthusiasm for life, Amen is more than just a teenager; she's a beacon of hope and inspiration. With two brothers by her side, family is at the core of her world.

Amen's world is one filled with joy and laughter, a place where playing games and watching movies with friends take center stage. Her passion for science and technology shines through, and her family and friends recognize her for her knack for fixing light bulbs and experimenting with gadgets. "I want to make the world a better place, and science and technology are fun and cool," she declares.

Delving into what makes her happy, Amen's eyes light up at the mention of history, science, and technology. Her excitement for learning, evident in every word, underscores her love for reading and exploring the worlds of the past and the possibilities of the future.

One of the most wonderful experiences in Amen's life was a recent vacation. Her love for travel painted a vivid picture of new places, diverse foods, and warm swimming pools. "Traveling is awesome. I can't wait to go again!" she exclaims, capturing the essence of youthful adventure.

As a lover of learning, Amen's favorite subject is math. The thrill of manipulating numbers and shapes, coupled with her love for drawing patterns, epitomizes her curious and creative mind. Her dream of becoming a pilot reflects her desire to explore the world, donning the uniform and accessories that symbolize her aspirations.

Looking towards the future, Amen envisions success. Her parents, working tirelessly to support and provide for her, inspire her dreams. She dreams of a day when she can reciprocate their love and hard work by having a good job, earning a lot of money, and fulfilling their every desire.

Transitioning into more serious matters, Amen shares the challenges she faced before the intervention of the Splash program. Clean water was a rarity at her school, causing health issues and an aversion to its peculiar taste.

The introduction of Splash brought positive changes, and Amen credits her teachers, Ms. Yodit and Mr. Abebe, for teaching her about safe hygiene practices. She embraced this knowledge, learning proper handwashing techniques and the importance of clean water. Amen became a messenger of good hygiene practices, sharing her newfound knowledge with family and friends.

Her awareness extends beyond hygiene, touching upon gender equity. Amen strongly condemns gender-based violence, recognizing its detrimental impact on women and girls. She believes in a world where everyone has the right to live free from fear.

Expressing her desire to change the world, Amen highlights the lack of electricity in rural areas and the scourge of kidnappings and ransoms in her country. Her heartfelt wish is for everyone to be happy and safe.

Amen's story is a testament to the power of dreams, the joy of learning, and the resilience of hope. In her journey, she not only envisions a better future for herself but also strives to create positive change for those around her.