Almost 16 million Ethiopian children aged 5 to 17 are engaged in child labour and 64% of them are located in Amhara region (Capital: Bahir Dar). They’re compelled to work in various sectors, such as agriculture, domestic labour, informal industries, and street vending. This denies them access to education and exposes them to abuse, exploitation and health risks. These children, often boys, are driven to child labour due to poverty, no access to education, and poor awareness of child rights.

In Bahir Dar, Hope for Justice operates a transitional centre, called Bright Lighthouse, which provides protection and care for children aged under 18 who are at risk or in an exploitative situation. Bright Lighthouse, specifically supports boys who have victims of forced labour and provides the following services: shelter, nutritious food, basic healthcare, resilience training, educational catch-up classes, psycho-social support, vocational training, and safe family/community reintegration.