Raising income for 70 single Mom's living in slum

Introduction and Overview

Founded in 2016, Yengat Birhan Charity Organization is dedicated to empowering underserved women in the project area by building their skills, promoting economic independence, and providing holistic support. The organization places a strong focus on vulnerable groups, particularly single mothers and women-led households, addressing critical challenges related to financial insecurity and health.

Its primary areas of intervention include:

• Livelihood Development: Providing women with vocational training and seed capital to establish small businesses.
• Health Awareness: Enhancing women’s knowledge of preventive healthcare and everyday hygiene to improve overall well-being
• Crisis Support: Providing emergency assistance through shelter and food support

Yengat Birhan is dedicated to strengthening women’s autonomy by promoting sustainable economic growth, fostering inclusive participation, and prioritizing health education. Through community-centered initiatives and by addressing systemic barriers, the organization cultivates resilience, leadership, and lasting transformation in the lives of women and their families.

 Adopting a holistic, child-centered approach, Yengat Birhan combines educational support, health promotion, and nutritional care to meet the complex needs of disadvantaged children and their households. Currently, the organization serves 136 school children alongside their mothers and families, as well as 7 women engaged in income-generating activities (IGA). In response to the challenges of rising inflation, these women are provided with additional financial support to strengthen their livelihoods, with the belief that they can thrive when given appropriate resources.

 Furthermore, the organization works to reduce vulnerabilities, including those linked to medical expenses, through an integrated support system. By leveraging community-based solutions, building strategic partnerships, and implementing innovative interventions, Yengat Birhan fosters resilience and creates sustainable pathways for growth, learning, and well-being, ensuring long-term impact for both children and their caregivers.

Major Achievements

v  IGA Support

The initiative has empowered participants to work toward financial independence and sustainable livelihoods, with approximately seven women currently continuing to actively manage and grow their IGAs. During this quarter, we closely monitored their progress through regular follow-ups conducted by our community facilitator. We are encouraged by the steady positive developments, as the women have shown both resilience and consistent growth in their businesses. The support provided has been instrumental in strengthening their entrepreneurial journeys, enabling them to overcome challenges and seize new opportunities. These achievements demonstrate the tangible impact of our interventions and reinforce our commitment to advancing sustainable economic empowerment. 

v  Emergency Assistance

During times of severe economic hardship, vulnerable women-led households were provided with essential support, including housing assistance and food supplies. This timely intervention helped ease immediate pressures, enabling families to meet their basic needs while preserving dignity and stability. By responding to urgent challenges, the support served as a vital safety net for women and their dependents in moments of crisis.

v  Health Education

Health education sessions were conducted to strengthen mothers’ knowledge of preventive healthcare and promote overall family well-being. The program emphasized proper hygiene practices while equipping mothers with the skills to better support and guide their children. These sessions created a warm and interactive environment, where participants not only gained valuable insights but also shared refreshments such as Habesha bread, water, coffee, and tea—enhancing both the learning experience and community connection.

Challenges Faced

We encountered considerable challenges as inflation increased placing strain on the budget. These financial pressures required careful resource management and prioritization of activities to sustain program effectiveness. Despite these obstacles, strengthened partnerships with local stakeholders and strategic planning allowed the organization to continue delivering impactful interventions. However, the need for diversified funding remains essential to ensure long-term sustainability

Lessons Learned

Þ     Holistic Interventions: Integrating women’s economic, health, and social needs is key to achieving lasting impact.

Þ     Community Engagement: Collaborating with local stakeholders strengthens program effectiveness and supports lasting change.

Þ     Flexibility: Customizing support to address women’s specific needs enhances program outcomes.

Conclusion

Yengat Birhan Charity Organization has achieved significant progress in empowering marginalized women by providing skill development opportunities and economic support. By tackling key challenges and nurturing resilience, the organization continues to improve the lives of women and their families. Looking ahead, Yengat Birhan remains committed to driving sustainable change through innovative initiatives and strategic partnerships.      

Thank You!