መንገዷ | Her Path

A monthly spotlight on girls overcoming barriers

Aster's Journey: Finding Strength through Education

by Claire Schreder

Women farming in Wolayita.

Studio Samuel is honored to support Aster, a dedicated sixth-grade student with aspirations of becoming a doctor. Born in a small rural village in the Wolayita zone of Ethiopia, Aster is the only daughter in a family of seven children. Her father, a farmer, worked tirelessly to sustain the household, while her mother managed domestic responsibilities and cared for the family.

Life in Aster’s village was centered around subsistence farming, with wheat and corn serving as both sustenance and income. However, the yield was often insufficient to fully meet the family's needs. As the sole daughter, Aster was expected to shoulder extensive household duties alongside her mother, limiting her ability to attend school regularly. The demands placed upon her reinforced systemic gender roles that prioritize domestic labor over educational opportunities for girls.

Compounding these socioeconomic challenges was the ever-present threat of kidnapping, a pervasive issue affecting young girls in Aster’s community.

The risk escalated at the start of the academic year in September when more girls were walking to school. One of Aster’s close friends had already been victimized, heightening her family’s concerns for her safety. Additionally, child marriage remains a significant issue in the Wolayita zone, with 11.2% of girls aged 10-17 becoming victims, according to UNICEF.  Realizing the urgent need for intervention, Aster’s family made the difficult decision to send her to live with her aunt in Addis Ababa, where she could pursue her education free from the looming risks.

Aster's new community in Ethiopia's capital city, Addis Ababa.

Relocating to the capital marked a pivotal turning point in Aster’s life. While she continued to assist in her aunt’s household by caring for her cousin, she was now able to prioritize her academic pursuits. Free from the threats she faced in her village, Aster engaged fully in her studies, determined to build a future for herself and her community. 

However, adjusting to her new life came with challenges of its own. While she could now attend school regularly, financial hardships remained a significant obstacle. Access to essential items such as clothing and sanitary products was limited, making daily life difficult. To navigate these struggles, Aster sought out available resources from Studio Samuel that provided basic necessities, which helped ease some of the financial burden and allowed her to focus more fully on her education. Furthermore, Aster engaged in life skills training and counseling programs, strengthening her self-confidence and resilience.

Aster’s journey underscores the transformative power of education. Her ambitions extend beyond personal success—she aspires to return to her village as a doctor, addressing the healthcare needs of girls who endure physical and psychological trauma resulting from abduction and assault. Moreover, she seeks to challenge societal perceptions of women’s roles, advocating for gender equity and empowerment in her community.

Aster is thriving at Studio Samuel.

Aster’s story exemplifies the profound impact of education in reshaping individual destinies. Through perseverance and access to learning, she has not only reclaimed her future but is also paving the way for other young girls to envision a life beyond imposed limitations.