From Borrowed Supplies to Business Strength

Dinkinesh is a strong, determined mother who has spent much of her life pushing through hardship to provide for her family. She worked all kinds of jobs, but no matter how hard she tried, one of her most painful challenges was being unable to afford school supplies for her children. Often, she could only send them to school one at a time, depending on what little she had. To support her household, she began baking injera and selling it within her neighborhood. But with no startup capital, she was forced to borrow teff, the main ingredient, at higher prices from local suppliers. This left her constantly in debt. Without financial guidance or emotional support, Dinkinesh carried the weight of survival on her own.  

A turning point through SHASHE  

Her path began to shift when she joined the SHASHE project, implemented by SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia. Through the project, she received hands-on training in entrepreneurship, child development, health and self-care, children’s rights, and education. The experience was empowering, helping her build the confidence and skills she had long needed but never accessed. Encouraged by what she learned, Dinkinesh joined a local savings and credit association. For the first time, she was able to access small loans, reinvest in her business, and gradually escape the cycle of high interest borrowing. Her injera improved in quality, her customer service became stronger, and she began managing her finances with clarity and purpose. What was once just a survival tactic became a growing business.  

A life transformed  

With her income increasing steadily, Dinkinesh was finally able to make consistent savings and support her family with more stability. She secured health insurance for the household, purchased educational materials for her children, and ensured they could continue their schooling without interruption. Her children’s academic performance began to improve, and for the first time, she was able to fully engage in their learning and daily lives. This change brought new energy into her home. The stress that once consumed her began to lift, replaced by a renewed connection with her children. With less worry about basic survival, she became more emotionally available and involved as a mother, and their relationship grew stronger.  

A story of possibility  

As one of the first graduates of the SHASHE Project, Dinkinesh stands today as a woman who has turned struggle into strength. Her income continues to grow, and her savings bring a sense of security she never thought was possible. Her story is a powerful reminder that with the right support and access to knowledge, people can not only survive hardship, but they can also overcome it and thrive.  

About the project  

The SHASHE project (2023-2025) aims to reach 1,500 children, 100 youth, and over 500 caregivers directly, with more than 7,500 individuals impacted indirectly. With a mission to help children and youth succeed by ensuring they are protected, educated, healthy, and supported by economically empowered families just like Dinkinesh’s.  

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