This story is going to make you smile!
One Mom, One Opportunity
Not too long ago, Degefech was in a desperate situation. After her husband passed away, she was the only one trying to provide for her four children. She felt ashamed having to ask neighbors just for a couple kilos of onions to try selling at the market each week. Every single day was an uphill battle for survival. Degefech desperately prayed for a way to support her kids.
She felt afraid that they would have to leave school to work. Desperate to give her children security at home and at school, she spent every day trying to make ends meet. But the opportunities were scarce, and she didn't know what to do.
Then, Degefech learned she was selected to join a Roots Ethiopia Self-Help Entrepreneur (SHE) group in her village. Knowing it would be hard work, but certain that it would be worth it, she accepted the invitation.
Her group started and she attended with great purpose. She was ready for change. Week after week she built her plan. And, because of supporters like you, she got the business training she needed and seed money to finally start her business. And you know what she planned? Selling onions (her expertise).
Degefech sells onions and has added to her produce, including hot peppers, garlic and ginger.
She Knows Onions
Degefech already knew onions - she'd been selling them for years, just in tiny amounts.
But now she had a real business plan: buy onions in bulk and sell them for profit. She worked incredibly hard, and the results speak for themselves. She went from selling just 4 kilos a week to at least 20 kilos every single week! And once she mastered that, this boss-mom diversified into hot peppers, garlic, and ginger too.
Today, her kids are fed, they have a secure home, and all attend school.
Degefech says, "Thanks to God I turned onions into success! I am an expert at selling onions now. My life has changed because of SHE."
Every week Degefech's SHE group meets. Each member deposits some of their earnings in their personal savings account and also their group savings account.
Support More Onion Queens!
Your support helped remove the barriers that were holding Degefech back. She did the rest - building her business, supporting her family, and creating a stable future for her children. This is the way SHE inspires and motivates women. The women become a source of support and encouragement to each other.
Degefech is just one of over 1,600 women in the 80 SHE groups. This program means so much to these women, who are honing their skills to provide for their families. That's a lot of amazing moms taking charge of their futures!
So many other moms in Ethiopia are still facing the same struggles Degefech once did. They're working hard and hoping for an opportunity. Your generosity today can help a mom get the training and seed money to start her own business and move from constant worry to stability.
You can help create this kind of change by helping a woman join SHE. Today is a great day to help a woman earn.
