From Dreams to Reality

After graduating with a diploma in Clothing and Fashion Design, Fitsum Teferi faced the harsh reality of unemployment. Despite his education, financial constraints made it impossible to start his own business or secure stable employment in his field. Determined to create a future for himself and his family, Fitsum saved diligently while working odd jobs. However, it wasn’t until he discovered the SOS Children’s Villages Innovative Training Partnership for More Youth Employment project that he found the breakthrough he needed. 

“As the firstborn in my family, I had a lot of responsibilities. Even when I was in school, I found it difficult to ask for money, even for transportation. After graduating, I knew I needed more than just a job—I needed to build something of my own,” Fitsum shares. This burning desire to create led him to save diligently while working in various small jobs, though the dream of owning a sewing machine, let alone a business, seemed far off. 

It was during this challenging time that Fitsum learned about the project through his local woreda. He registered and embarked on a transformative journey, beginning with life skills training that helped him identify his true calling in the business sector. He recalls, “The business skills training taught me how to formulate a business plan, manage finances, and most importantly, how to handle customers. This was a game-changer for me.” 

With the knowledge he gained, Fitsum applied for and received a loan of 24,000 birr from the project. Coupling this with his savings, he launched his fashion design business. “It was like lighting a fire on a barrel of petroleum,” he says, describing the motivation the loan provided. Starting with just one shop, he soon expanded to two, employing two additional staff members. Today, his business, initially valued at 24,000 birr, has grown to an impressive 400,000 birr. 

Fitsum in his new shop.

The skills Fitsum acquired didn't just help him start his business; they helped him sustain and grow it. He learned to track his income and expenses, improving his financial management. He also learned how to communicate effectively with clients and navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship, like handling rent payments during slow business periods. 

Beyond fashion design, Fitsum's ambition drove him to explore other ventures. He competed in a Business Idea Competition, winning 20,000 birr, which he reinvested into his business to buy more machines. His success in this competition also sparked an interest in car decoration, a field he plans to explore in the future. 

Fitsum's story is a powerful example of how targeted support and training can transform lives. His long-term goal is to continue growing his business and to become a leading figure in the fashion industry. “I work day and night to ensure I deliver on time. I’ve built good relationships with people around me, and that’s been crucial to my success,” he says. 

Today, Fitsum not only sustains himself but also supports his family, proving that with the right support, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome. His journey is an inspiration for other young entrepreneurs, showing that with hard work, dedication, and the right opportunities, success is within reach. 

Over four years, the project provided targeted skills training to 10,000 underprivileged youth, 60% of whom were young women equipping them with marketable skills. Many thanks to the generous support of German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and Hermann-Gmeiner-Fonds Deutschland (HGFD) to help youth achieve economic independence and become role models for aspiring entrepreneurs in their community. 

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