From Limited Job Prospects to Thriving Entrepreneur

Anteneh, a 26-year-old from Addis Ababa, has always been driven to make a good living in the ever-growing capital city. For the past 5 years, he has worked tirelessly as a daily labourer, doing finishing works for buildings for as little as 263 ETB per day. Despite his dedication and strong work ethic, the income barely covered his transportation costs, leaving him stuck in a cycle of subsistence living.

Passionate about his work, Anteneh always sought to improve. Yet, without the necessary skills to elevate his expertise, he found it hard to find better opportunities. Passion alone, though powerful, could not bridge the gap between his ambition and the reality of limited job prospects in the city, where unemployment rates remain high and career advancement opportunities are scarce.

His challenge was compounded by the high rental costs of essential tools like a toolbox, which were needed for the kind of work Anteneh wanted to pursue. For years, he continued in this difficult and unchanging routine, knowing no other way to earn a living. Giving up was not an option, his passion for the hands-on work and his desire for something better kept him going.

Then, a turning point came when Anteneh learned about an opportunity from the Yeka Sub City Woreda administration’s Labor and Skill Office. SOS Children's Villages in Ethiopia was recruiting for the Sustainable Training for Employment Promotion (STEP) project. Initially unsure of what the project could offer, Anteneh's determination led him to seize the chance.

Through STEP, Anteneh gained essential life skills, employability training, and customer service skills, which prepared him to actively participate in the gig economy. A sector where he could find short-term contracts and freelance opportunities. For the first time, Anteneh saw a clear path forward, one where his skills could be recognized and rewarded.

As his confidence grew, Anteneh shared his fears with the project staff, especially the high costs of tool rentals. In response, the project staff from STEP worked closely with him to develop a detailed business plan tailored to his needs. Recognizing his potential to thrive, he was also provided with a hand machine for wall drilling and grinding. Furthermore, he was connected to a digital gig-work platform, that opened a broader pool of job opportunities for him.

The results were nothing short of transformative. With his new tools and skills, Anteneh secured subcontracted work, earning 63,000 ETB per month, an amount that far exceeded his previous earnings. What began as a solo endeavour soon expanded, as Anteneh was able to hire a small team of local youth from his neighbourhood, creating jobs and contributing to his community.

Anteneh did not stop there. He made another responsible decision by saving 1,000 ETB each month through Tederash SACCO, a youth-friendly savings and credit association introduced to him through STEP. This step towards financial security marked the beginning of a more stable and sustainable future for Anteneh and his growing business.

The STEP project is making a significant difference in addressing the challenges of youth unemployment and limited career opportunities in Ethiopia. Over a period of 3 years, STEP aims to support 3,500 youth in Addis Ababa and Adama by providing vocational training, entrepreneurial skills development, and business support.

"The skills, knowledge, and toolkit support I received from the STEP project have given me a renewed sense of confidence in both myself and my abilities. I now realize that all I needed was the right guidance. With greater stability, I have been able to continue my education, and without the burden of renting expensive equipment, I can finally provide financial support to my mother, who has been struggling financially."

Anteneh

Anteneh is currently enrolled in university, studying accounting, with plans to open his own workshop after graduation.

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