Courage of One Hope for Many

In Musadon Kebele, a remote community in Ethiopia’s Somali Region, life was a daily struggle for Fatima, a mother of four. With no steady income, access to credit, or productive assets, providing food, clothing, or school supplies for her children was nearly impossible. The family faced chronic poverty, hunger, and limited opportunities, and Fatima, emotionally drained and socially isolated, had little support or hope. 

A life-changing opportunity 

Fatima’s turning point came through the Kelafo Family and Community Empowerment project by SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia. Through financial assistance, skills training, psychosocial support, and mentoring, the project aims to support families facing difficulties in Kelafo district with the tools and resources they need to restore dignity and build long-term self-reliance. 

After completing business and agricultural training, Fatima received a 6,000 ETB loan, which she invested in maize cultivation. Her dedication and new skills paid off as she harvested over 20 sacks of sorghum and sold them at the local market, creating her first stable income source. 

Growing income and confidence 

With renewed confidence, Fatima took a second loan of 10,000 ETB to expand her farm. She diversified into sesame, tomatoes, and peppers, all high-demand crops. Applying what she learned about soil management and crop rotation, she saw improved yields and income. 

She also transformed her backyard into a small garden, growing fruits and vegetables to feed her children year-round, reducing food costs and improving nutrition. 

A future built on education 

With financial stability, Fatima shifted focus to her children’s education. Two are now in school, attending regularly and well-prepared. A development that once felt out of reach for Fatima. Now, she is actively involved in their learning and dreams of helping them reach secondary school and beyond. 

Inspiring change in her community 

Fatima’s effort to improve her life has inspired other women in her community, especially single mothers. Her success is challenging gender norms, showing that women can lead, provide, and thrive. She is now seen as a role model for resilience and change. 

“I used to wake up fearing how I would feed my children. Now I wake up with plans to plant, harvest, sell, and educate my children.” 

The Kelafo Family and Community Empowerment Project aims to reach nearly 40,000 families and their children directly and indirectly by 2026, improving the well-being of children by empowering families and strengthening communities across the Somali Region. 

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