Raising income for 70 single Mom's living in slum

Introduction and Overview

Yengat Birhan Charity Organization, founded in 2016, is committed to uplifting underserved women in the project area by enhancing their skills, promoting economic self-sufficiency, and offering comprehensive support. The organization focuses particularly on vulnerable groups such as single mothers and women-led households, tackling key issues related to financial insecurity and health.

Its primary areas of intervention include:

• Livelihood Development: Equipping women with vocational training and seed funding to start small businesses.
• Health Awareness: Advancing knowledge of preventive healthcare and hygiene practices.
• Crisis Support: Delivering urgent aid in the form of shelter and food assistance.

Yengat Birhan aims to strengthen women’s autonomy by encouraging lasting economic growth, fostering inclusive participation, and prioritizing health education. By implementing community-centered solutions and addressing systemic barriers, the organization nurtures resilience, leadership, and long-term transformation in the lives of women and their families. Yengat Birhan Charity Organization adopts a holistic, child-centered approach that combines educational support, health promotion, and nutritional care to address the complex needs of disadvantaged children and their families. Serving 137 school children along with their mothers and households, as well as 7 women engaged in income-generating activities (IGA) by providing additional money for them as the current inflation affecting them much and by believing they perform good if they have got appropriate support. The organization works to reduce vulnerabilities including those caused by medical expenses through an integrated support system. By leveraging community-based solutions, strategic partnerships, and innovative interventions, Yengat Birhan fosters resilience and builds sustainable pathways for growth, learning, and overall well-being, ensuring long-term impact for both children and their caregivers.

Major Achievements

vIGA Support

As we stated in the last quarter, the 70-member Self-Help Group (SHG) project was phased out. As part of the project activity, 35 women from the group received startup capital to initiate or expand their small businesses. These women worked to enhance their household income and living standards. While the initiative empowered participants toward financial independence and sustainable livelihoods, currently, approximately seven women continue to actively operate and grow their IGAs. In this quarter, we maintained close oversight of the progress made by the women engaged in income-generating activities (IGA), with our community facilitator conducting regular follow-ups. We are encouraged to observe continued positive developments, as the women demonstrated resilience and steady growth in their businesses. The support provided has played a crucial role in helping them strengthen their entrepreneurial paths, navigate challenges, and embrace new opportunities. These outcomes reflect the tangible impact of our interventions and reaffirm our commitment to fostering sustainable economic empowerment. 

Emergency Assistance

During periods of severe economic hardship, vulnerable women-led households received vital assistance in the form of housing support and essential food supplies. This timely intervention aimed to alleviate immediate pressures, ensuring these families could meet their basic needs while maintaining dignity and stability. By addressing urgent challenges, the support provided a crucial safety net for women and their dependents during times of crisis.

vHealth Education

Focused health education sessions were held to enhance mothers’ understanding of preventive healthcare and overall family well-being. Emphasis was placed on promoting proper hygiene practices and empowering mothers with the knowledge needed to support and guide their children. These sessions fostered a welcoming and engaging atmosphere, where participants not only gained practical insights but also enjoyed refreshments including Habesha bread, water, coffee, and tea, enriching both the learning experience and community interaction.

Challenges Faced

The organization faced significant challenges due to inflation, which drove up the cost of materials and operational logistics, thereby straining its budget. These financial constraints required prioritizing activities and carefully managing resources to maintain program effectiveness. Despite these hurdles, strengthened partnerships with local stakeholders and strategic planning enabled the organization to continue its impactful interventions, though the need for diversified funding remains critical to sustaining its efforts.

Lessons Learned

Þ     Holistic Interventions: Addressing women’s economic, health, and social needs together ensures sustainable impact.

Þ     Community Engagement: Partnering with local stakeholders enhances program effectiveness and fosters long-term change.

Þ     Flexibility: Tailoring support to women’s specific needs maximizes outcomes.

Conclusion

Yengat Birhan Charity Organization has made remarkable progress in empowering marginalized women through skill-building and economic support. By addressing critical challenges and fostering resilience, the organization continues to uplift women and their families. Moving forward, Yengat Birhan remains dedicated to creating sustainable change through innovative approaches and partnerships.

Thank You!