Misgun is a 12-year-old boy from Eritrea who loves playing football and drawing, especially pictures of saints. As his mother’s first child, he brings immense joy to her life. He also has a younger sister - a toddler - with whom he enjoys playing volleyball. The bond between them is strong and full of joy!
In 2017, Misgun and his mother fled their home country in search of safety and arrived at a refugee camp in Ethiopia. However, when conflict broke out in Northern Ethiopia, the camp became unsafe, prompting them to relocate to Addis Ababa with the help of friends. Along the way, they faced significant hardships but eventually reunited with family and began rebuilding their lives in the city, where Misgun’s mother later gave birth to her second child.
Life in Addis Ababa has been filled with challenges. Misgun’s mother is a single mom living in a small studio in the city with her two children and cousin. She used to work as a domestic helper, but due to high blood pressure and recurring fainting episodes, she had to stop. Her cousin, who has also struggled to find work, has no steady income. Language barriers make it difficult to find work, and the family’s survival has largely depended on the kindness and support of others and extended family members being able to occasionally send small amounts of money to help cover rent and basic needs. Misgun now attends a government school, where his education, school supplies, uniform, and meals are covered through a public feeding program for elementary students.
Misgun was born with hypospadias, a condition that causes urinary dysfunction. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of future complications. Fortunately, Misgun is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on June 24th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care.
Misgun’s mother said, “I believe he will finally receive the surgery, and this chapter of our struggle will pass. I pray he will be able to live without shame.”

