What One Opportunity Set in Motion

For 23-year-old Hawa from Adama City, life after Grade 12 felt uncertain. Like many young people, she dreamed of continuing her education and building a better future for herself. But financial hardship stood in her way. Living in a food-insecure household with limited income, Hawa found herself unable to pursue university studies or secure stable employment. Days were filled with uncertainty, and she often worried about becoming a burden on her already struggling family.

Finding hope through opportunity

Despite the challenges, Hawa refused to give up on her future. She continued searching for ways to improve her situation, hoping for an opportunity that could help her gain practical skills and independence. That opportunity came in 2024, when the District Job Creation and Skills Office in Adama selected her to participate in the Sustainable Training for Employment Promotion (STEP) project, implemented by SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia with support from SOS-Kinderdörfer weltweit. The program began with a five-day life and employability skills training alongside other unemployed youth. For Hawa, the experience was transformative.

“I acquired critical thinking, problem-solving skills, strong work ethic, communication skills, as well as goal setting and time management skills,” she reflects.

The training helped her regain confidence and begin imagining a different future for herself.

Building skills into livelihood 

After completing the life skills training, Hawa enrolled in a three-month vocational training program in Garment and Textile at Adama Polytechnic College. There, she learned practical skills such as sketching, pattern making, cutting, and sewing different types of clothing for men and women.

“I decided this was an opportunity to gain more skills and knowledge,” she says. “I learned how to sketch, cut, and sew shirts, trousers, t-shirts, and dresses.”

As her skills improved, so did her outlook on life.

“The training opportunity I received helped me become more optimistic about my future,” she adds.

With her growing experience and determination, Hawa began working at Yetty Fashion Design, earning commission-based income and making an average of 12,500 ETB per month. For the first time, she was able to contribute financially and move toward independence.

“I am not willing to give up on building my future,” she says. “With the money I earn, I hope to attend university and study Garment, Textile, and Fashion Design.”

Recognizing her dedication and progress, the STEP project later supported her with a sewing machine worth 50,000 ETB. The support enabled her to begin working from home and transition into self-employment in fashion design. Today, Hawa earns an average of 500 ETB per day through her work, creating a more stable and independent livelihood for herself while continuing to strengthen her skills and grow her ambitions.

Looking ahead

Hawa’s journey reflects the power of resilience, opportunity, and determination. What once felt like a future filled with uncertainty has gradually transformed into one shaped by skill, confidence, and self-reliance.

“I think these trainings should be offered to more youth because many young people are unemployed and lack skills, which leads them into difficulties,” she says.

As she continues building her future, Hawa hopes her story will inspire other young people facing similar challenges to believe in their potential and pursue opportunities for change.

About the project   

Through the STEP project, 3,500 young people in Addis Ababa and Adama are receiving vocational training, entrepreneurship coaching, and business support helping them become agents of economic and social change.  

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