Dream of Wondem
Wondem has been to Ethiopia five times in his short life. Each time he was deeply moved by the poverty he saw. Seeing children without food, decent clothing or shelter touched him deeply. Without hesitation he gave away his own clothes and shoes. Afterwards he asked a moving question that has stayed with us:
“Dad, how can I make money for these children?”
This question he asked almost every day. His empathy and desire to help others, even at such a young age, became a guiding light for us.
Wondem in Ethiopia
In 2005 Wondem became a member of Progress Integrated Community Development Organization (PICDO) in Addis Ababa, a foundation that supports children living with HIV/AIDS. Wondem and our family contributed financially to PICDO each month, reflecting his ongoing commitment to helping vulnerable children.
During his final visit to Ethiopia with his father in May 2008 Wondem once again expressed his deep sadness and desire to bring change to the lives of children suffering in poverty. It was during this visit that he spoke the words that ultimately inspired the founding of the Wondem Foundation:
“When I am grown-up, I will establish my own foundation to improve the predicament of these children.”
Wondem and his death
Wondem was born July 8, 1996. He was a cheerful and helpful guy. Everybody loved him. He went to school with pleasure. Football was his hobby and regularly he went to the Amsterdam Arena to see football.
Wondem with Johan Cruijff
Wondem was a cheerful boy
When I am grown-up, I will establish my own foundation to improve the predicament of these children.
In the evening of February 8, 2009 Wondem was sent by a doctor on duty to the emergency department of the AMC in Amsterdam. After a brief examination Wondem was sent back home. Short time later, Wondem felt into a coma. He died on 11 February 2009, only 12 years old.
Thank you very much!