Born in Sheno Town and raised in both Sheno and Addis Ababa, specifically in a place customarily known as Maslemiya, Hanan Mahmud is the Founder and Director of the Babul Keyer Charity Organization.
Hanan’s roots are deeply embedded in a community where kindness and compassion are woven into the fabric of daily life. Her mother, well-known for lending a helping hand to the needy, has profoundly influenced Hanan; and Hanan believes that it was her mother’s selflessness that shaped her current path.
Recently, EPA had the opportunity to spend time with Hanan Mahmud to gain some insight into her journey and learn about her impactful organization, Babul Keyer Charity Organization.
Enjoy reading!
How was the Babul Keyer Charity Organization established?
The Babul Keyer Charity Organization was established accidentally when I encountered two young girls, approximately 13 and 14 years old. These young girls were often seen eating at restaurants with the older teens during school hours. What surprised me the most was that they were always dressed in their school uniforms.
I decided to approach and ask them what they were doing with all older teenagers during school hours. However, the response I received from the girls hit me hard and changed my perspective forever. They told me that they didn’t have anything to eat at home and were often left home without food. I was not only filled with an overwhelming sadness but blamed myself for judging them without understanding their circumstances.
As a mother of two daughters at that time, I couldn’t ignore the injustice of the situation. These young girls, no different from my children, were going hungry while the world continued on without notice. In that moment, I vowed to myself, if God allows and gives me the opportunity, to open a food pantry, where needy individuals could access food with dignity and equality. It was on that day that Babul Keyer was conceived.
How did Babul Keyer become operational?
There was a platform where a group of friends met monthly. I shared the story of the two teenagers and, explained how they often went hungry and struggled to make ends meet. One of the girls was a Muslim, wearing a hijab, and the other was Christian, wearing a cross. Determined to do something good and make a difference, I told them the need to act because people were starving, regardless of their background or faith. It was clear that this problem transcended all differences, and it was time for us to come together and make a change.
At that time, because there were no school meal programs, we always heard about students who went to school without food. It was heartbreaking to know that children were suffering in this way. The group was deeply touched; and many were in tears. “While there are people who still cannot afford a daily meal, we cannot simply talk about material things like shoes, bags, or curtains. We must do something,” I said seriously. They wholeheartedly agreed and set to work.
The next day, I brought the gold jewelry that I received from my family as wedding gifts. My friends did the same. While some donated their gold, others offered the valuable items they had. And with those first contributions, Babul Keyer Charity Organization began its journey of helping the needy.
How long has the Babul Keyer Charity Organization been established, and what activities does it undertake?
The Organization was established five years ago, initially feeding 126 people. On its first day, we had no chairs, tables, or tents. Just a makeshift canvas was used to serve food. Fortunately, today the Organization has grown significantly and has now reached a level where it can serve up to 5,000 people.
These days, in addition to the feeding center, we have a large training center in Akaki Kaliti Sub City, where we offer essential training for trainees. We provide training in various fields including sewing and shoemaking, computer and language skills, food preparation and other areas.
We also provide specialized training for women who have been rejected by their families due to pregnancy, those who are unable to study or work because of childcare responsibilities, and women who have achieved high levels of education but ended up on the streets due to addiction or other challenges. Furthermore, we provide training for young mothers coming to the organization selected by the district; and beneficiaries of the meal sharing program.
According to Islamic thought, denying food to a pregnant and lactating mother is a prohibited act. Thus, we prioritize these individuals; so they can work and sustain themselves; beyond receiving meals in the center. Every six months, we welcome 30 unemployed women and provide training. Of which while most of them are women who cannot advance their education; the rest are returnees.
After completing the training and once graduated, we facilitate job opportunities in their respective fields; creating partnerships with local organizations. Thus far, we have successfully created job opportunities for several graduates.
Moreover, we have built a modern center for cancer patients who have been with us for five years and have no family to support them. We provide the necessary care, including assisting with transportation to and from hospitals for continued medical treatments.
“Are there women who have excelled in their training and become role models for others?”
Definitely! There are many. Even now, one of our recent graduates is running her own garment factory in Sebeta Town. The other girl, who graduated in the preceding round, is also managing a garment factory, employing 20 workers. Many of the graduates are self-employed.
By the way, the training is not limited to vocational skills; but goes beyond and incorporates important aspects such as mindset, financial management and the like essential areas. Sometimes, returnees express regret after receiving the training, saying that if they had known earlier about such opportunities at home, they would never have traveled abroad.
After successfully completing the training, we also made trainees demonstrate their skills on various platforms. Such effort, apart from creating opportunities to develop their skills, also enables them to generate income and improve their livelihoods.
How did the treatment of cancer patients begin; and at what stage is it now?
The treatment started accidentally when a mother who was benefitting from our meal service came to the center after her house was demolished. At that time, we had not yet built our cancer care center. Thus, realizing the importance of preparing a temporary place where mothers in such dire situations could stay, we started the service, renting a house.
Since that time, we have been welcoming and caring for mothers with cancer cases. Cancer treatment is difficult, and even the medication is challenging. Transporting patients to and from hospitals on each or every other day is also tiring. Thus, we have started the service to accommodate those patients. The center is very modern and comfortable and each patient has their personal equipment.
Do you think that being a woman contributes to the success of your organization?
Absolutely, it has contributed significantly to the success of the organization. For instance, all the leadership positions at the Babul Keyer Charity are held by women and I believe that’s one of the key reasons for our success. Women are deeply empathetic and understand every case of a person, and if you ask them about someone, they’ll tell you the whole story.
How did you come up with the idea of assigning women to all positions of responsibility?
As I told you, almost all women see things more deeply. However, this doesn’t mean that men cannot do the same. Since 80 percent of the beneficiaries of this Center are women, assigning women to leadership positions helps to better understand and address the problems women face.
Being a woman often comes with roles and expectations. How do you balance your personal life with your job?
Honestly, the responsibility is a bit challenging. I am married and a mother of five. I spend most of my time either at Babul Keyer or at my home. I don’t waste my time on useless or unproductive matters. My family is also supportive in this regard.
What message would you like to convey to women aspiring to pursue their dreams?
Every woman, with determination, persistence and hard work, can achieve her dreams. Life, including marriage and managing a home, demands commitment and resilience. Patience, commitment and perseverance are key to overcoming challenges. By staying strong in adversity, we can reach our goals. Thus, I advise young girls and women to confront and overcome challenges with unwavering strength and resilience. Then, success will follow.
Seizing this opportunity, I also encourage everyone to visit and support the Babul Keyer Charity Organization, a center currently under construction around Bethel, Alem Bank, dedicated to providing shelter, essential training and other similar services for mothers.
Thank you.
BY ELIZABETH MENGISTU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 20 MARCH 2025
