Empowered to Provide

Ahmed, a father of three, was no stranger to hardship. He and his family lived in a vulnerable, run-down house that barely provided shelter. With his wife staying home to care for the children, Ahmed bore the full weight of providing for the household. As a daily laborer, his earnings were meager, barely enough to cover food, let alone education or medical expenses for his growing children. Each day was a struggle for survival. Though he worked tirelessly, progress always felt just out of reach. The dream of a stable life seemed impossible. 

A turning point 

Ahmed’s life began to change when his family was enrolled in the Shashemene Holistic Action for Sustainable Household Empowerment (SHASHE) project, implemented by SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia. At first, he was surprised by the scope of support being offered. He participated in a series of transformative training’s that covered financial management, small business skills, positive parenting, child rights and protection, and gender equality. Equipped with this new knowledge, Ahmed began to see new possibilities for himself and his family. 

Building a business one step at a time 

As part of the project’s support, Ahmed received essential tools and materials to start a small business selling traditional cereals in the local market. He had long observed the demand for these products, and the opportunity allowed him to finally act on what he knew could work. To strengthen his business, Ahmed was also connected to a savings and credit cooperative. Through this link, he accessed a small loan, his first ever. With discipline, he began saving consistently and repaying his loan on time. Slowly but steadily, his business grew. The added income meant his children could eat better and receive proper healthcare. 

A home restored and a family renewed 

One of the most immediate and impactful changes came when the SHASHE project supported the renovation of the family’s home, which had been on the verge of collapse. Today, they live in a safer, more stable environment, one that finally feels like a true home. But Ahmed’s transformation did not stop with financial independence. The lessons he learned around positive parenting and gender equality reshaped his role as a father. He became more engaged with his children, more attentive to their needs, and committed to raising them in a home where respect and fairness were part of everyday life. With a deeper understanding of children’s rights and the value of education, Ahmed is now determined to keep all three of his children in school. He understands that this is how cycles of poverty are broken for good. 

Looking ahead 

Today, Ahmed’s life looks completely different. His children are learning, his home is safe, and his business continues to grow. More than anything, he now carries a sense of pride and hope for the future built on effort, knowledge, and the right support at the right time. His journey is just one among many that reflect the broader mission of the SHASHE project (2023–2025), which seeks to reach 1,500 children, 100 youth, and over 500 caregivers directly and impacting more than 7,500 lives indirectly. The project works to ensure that children and youth grow up healthy, protected, and educated, supported by families who are empowered both economically and emotionally just like Ahmed’s.

*To respect the person's privacy, their real name has not been used.