By Audrey Anderson | Because I am a Girl Program Coordinator
Shewaye is a mother of two who lives in Akaki Kality, a slum on the outskirts of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. There are thousands of people but very few ways to make money, and many are homeless.
“I have always been looking for ways to support my children since my husband died,” Shewaye confessed. “A friend gave me the idea to go to another country and be a nanny for other children, and I even got the visa to go.
“But I couldn’t leave my children here. Right before he died, my husband told me, ‘If you get remarried you have to find someone who really loves the children.’” Tears welled up in her eyes. “Taking care of my children is more important than anything else in the world.”
Adolescent girls are at a critical point in their lives, and your support has provided scholarships to make sure that these girls, like Shewaye’s daughter Mebrate, receive the vital education that they need to thrive in the future. But we don’t want girls to be dependent on scholarships—ideally, loving parents like Shewaye would be able to provide for their children.
That’s why your gifts to the Because I am a Girl project in Ethiopia provide scholarships for girls AND business training and microfinance opportunities for parents through savings groups.
“When I was first invited to the savings group, I wasn’t interested in it,” Shewaye admitted. “I was so busy raising my children as a single mom, and I thought it was a waste of time. But when I listened to the ideas behind the savings group, I thought I would give it a try. I was selling coffee to try to make money, and after I joined the savings group, I’ve been able to start selling food as well. I rented more space with a loan of 500 Birr (about $25). I only wish I had learned these business skills earlier so I could have beneitted even more. I can manage my money well now.”
Shewaye is the cashier of her savings group and says that everyone in the group is doing well now. They are making plans to join together to create a larger business as a group selling juice and food to hotels.
“Because of the savings group, I can care for my children right here with them,” says Shewaye. “I hope that your support will continue to reach others like it has reached me.”
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