Rehabilitation of 64 Vulnerable Women in Ethiopia

Just a story about one of our beneficiaries:

Mihret L. is a twenty three years old lady in Sheraro Town. She has three dependants, they are 3 and 5 years old, the third dependant is her mother, she is 70 years old, The mother is not able to work anymore and she is totally dependent on Mihret. Mihret’s husband has left the family since she got her second baby 3 years ago. The community has given in kind support to Mihret’s family.  Mihret started daily labor work to feed her two children and her mother. Without a husband to support her, Mihret’s life has become very difficult. In March, 2018 we sent a letter to Sheraro Women’s Affairs Office to select 8 women family leaders to be benefited from our Women Empowerment Project. Mihret was one of the 8 women selected. She has been trained in basic business skill for two days and she is also trained in family care for 3 hours by Abraham’s Oasis Social Worker. She stood out as an active participant in the training. She chose to start a small retail shop. Five thousand Eth Birr worth  of material was selected by Mihret, bought by committee and handed over to her. She is currently running the shop effectively and she is already getting 400 birr net profit a month after all family expenses are covered.  Mihret is spending 500 Birr on food and 200 Birr for rent every month. She is buying soya beans and house hold materials from the nearby refugee camp merchants  and she is selling those supplies in Sheraro on Saturdays (the main market day)and she is getting a net profit of 500 birr every week from those items. Mihret has become a self confident business woman, the family is getting a proper meal at least 3 times a day and the older child is going to school.

Mihret’s future plan is to expand her business by taking a loan from micro finance.   

One of many young women who became destitute due to unfortunate circumstances, so young and a heavy burden to carry....becoming dependent on hand-outs by the community, losing your dignity. But now a life transformed, a young woman who can hold her head up high, a family that will stick together and can feed itself. A way out of poverty, a way out of the dangers of destitution and desperation. A new hope has been given for the future.

 It doesn't take much but the effects of a small gift will be for generations to come. Because a mother was raised out of poverty she was able to feed and sent her children to school so they can have an education and a better job in the future.

Thank you for playing your part in the life of these poor female headed households.