Ethiopia: Building a new existence
Loans for small businesses enable new beginnings and provide livelihoods for people who have fled their homes.
In 2010, 35-year-old Asiya Abduraman was faced with the ruins of her life. Armed conflict forced the widow to flee her hometown with her six children and mother.
She struggled desperately to adapt to a new culture and feed her family in her new home in Adama. Three older children left home. But her small spice business was barely enough to buy enough food for their daily meals.
"I never thought I would survive. I left everything behind. I fled with my family; I didn't have time to gather my belongings."
Then help arrived. Asiya received three goats as a practical small loan through a Mekane Yesus Church project, as well as training in small business management, hygiene and nutrition.
Through her hard work and the support of the project, her goat herd grew to 25 animals within three years. Of these, she continues to sell animals to earn a living.
Today she owns 16 goats, which are worth around 100 euros each. Thanks to this financial security, she can not only feed her children and send them to school, but also cover medication and medical treatment. Her son is the best pupil in his 7th class - and helps his mother at home.
Asiya now has enough income to put aside between 10 and 100 euros a month. Asiya's strength and determination have enabled her, supported by the project, to offer her children the secure and happy future she has always wanted.
With your donation, the church in Ethiopia can work to give women in particular the chance to build a new life after fleeing or living in poverty. This makes them sustainably independent. Thank you!
