MoneyJobs & livelihood
My school-run minibus: Kidist's only way to earn a living
Kidist drives for a living in Addis Ababa, and a broken rear axle has stopped all income for 12 weeks.
🇪🇹 Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia1,532 views
I make my living with my school-run minibus. 12 weeks ago the rear axle failed, and the mechanic says the repair will cost $200. Without the vehicle I earn nothing.
I have been borrowing from friends to pay rent, and now I have run out of people to ask.
I support my younger brothers and sisters. Before the breakdown I worked eleven hours a day, six days a week. I have been offered extra shifts for the next four months if I can just get the vehicle working.
I have a written estimate from a certified mechanic and will upload it here.
I'll pay the mechanic directly and show you the repaired vehicle in an update.
Where the $200 goes:
• rear axle replacement (parts): $130
• Labor charges: $15
• Road tax and insurance renewal: $20
• Towing and inspection: $35
I never thought I'd be the one asking, and I'm grateful for every bit of support.
Updates from Kidist
No updates yet. Supporters are notified when the owner posts one.
- Malak Hala Sabbagh 🇸🇦 · $60
- Adrian Salazar 🇬🇧 · $30
“Only $30 but hope it helps. - Derry”
- Anonymous 🇳🇬 · $25
- Ugo Andrea Mancini 🇮🇹 · $10
- Christopher R. Carr 🇺🇸 · $5
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Reading this made my day a bit heavier but I'm glad I did. I'm in customer support myself and wanted you to know we're cheering for you. Blessings
Hang in there, Kidist. Looking forward to the next update. I have a 10 year old who wants to send good wishes too. Blessings!
This could happen to any of us. After 21 years in construction I know how hard it's to ask for anything. Take care
Keep going. Small businesses are the heart of Addis Ababa. Hope you're open again soon
Stay strong, Kidist. Small businesses are the heart of Addis Ababa. Hope you're open again soon. All the best.
Thinking of you, Kidist. It takes guts to ask. Well done.
hope this works out for you. Love from Mumbai
sending good thoughts. I'd happily buy from you once you're back up. Don't be hard on yourself for asking. God bless.
Wishing you the best. Your post was clear and honest. Greetings from Bristol.
sending strength. Shared it with a few friends. We lost years of savings to something like this so I get it. Blessings.
Small businesses are the heart of Addis Ababa. Hope you're open again soon. We had a similar scare last year, I know what it feels like. God bless.
Hang in there. Hope the shop reopens soon. My daughter saw me on my phone and now she wants to give her pocket money. Take care.