First Care Memory

Growing up with a deep-seated respect for his elders and a strong passion for helping others, Abel Berhanu was naturally drawn to a career in medicine. His journey officially began when he enrolled at Shashemene Health Science College, eager to put his training into practice.

The foundational spark for Africare traces back to 1998 E.C., during his very first year as a health science student. On that pivotal day, Abel stepped into the home of his beloved great-grandmother, Bizunesh Tulu, to deliver his first-ever home healthcare service. Watching her age and face health challenges had touched him deeply, and caring for her at home became both a personal duty and a profound calling.

Beyond providing vital clinical care and comfort to someone who had helped shape his family’s history, the experience was an eye-opener. It revealed to Abel the transformative power of compassionate, home-based medical attention—showing him how care delivered in a familiar, dignified setting could heal both body and spirit. That singular act of devotion marked the humble beginning of his healthcare career and established the core values of dignity, empathy, and accessibility that define Africare today.