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I met this boy when I was visiting Ethiopia in March 2020 just before our COVID lockdown. I was travelling with a relief and development organization, Tearfund Canada. We visited a church to meet with a group of men and women who were members of a Savings Group. While we were listening to the stories of how this group has transformed not only the members lives and families, but also their community, this boy kept looking at me. Each time I caught his eye and smiled, he quickly turned and averted his eyes. By the end of the meeting he turned away much slower, first giving me a smile. After the meeting was over, I spoke to his mother. While in our conversation he came over and stood behind his mother. I found out that their family now has enough food to eat and through the savings program, she has been able to take a loan out and start a butter business. The income her business generates has allowed her children to attend school. After we finished our conversation I asked if I could take his picture (the kids are all so interested in seeing their own photo). They both agreed and this is the image I was able to capture. So much intelligence and strength behind those eyes, with just a hint of a smile. I never tire of looking at him.
