Turning Passion into Purpose

For as long as she can remember, Hiba, a 22-year-old from Adama, dreamed big. She was known as a bright student, a loving daughter, and someone whose energy lit up every room she entered. Life seemed to be unfolding just as she imagined, until it was not. After completing grade 12, a difficult family loss forced Hiba to pause her education and set aside her dream of going to college. What followed was one of the hardest chapters of her life. 

Finding strength in uncertainty 

Yet Hiba was not one to give up easily. As time passed, her determination slowly resurfaced. She began searching for work but found few opportunities for someone without a college education. Still, she refused to lose hope. 

When her local woreda’s job creation and skills office announced short-term vocational training for unemployed youth, she decided to apply. She did not expect much, after all she had applied for many opportunities before and never heard back. Little did she know this time; things would be different. In 2024, Hiba received a call that would change everything. She had been selected to join the Sustainable Training for Employment Promotion (STEP) project in Adama, implemented by SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia with support from SOS-Kinderdörfer weltweit. 

The opportunity began with a five-day life and employability skills training, followed by three months of vocational training in her chosen field: decoration and crafting. 

Roots of creativity  

Hiba’s passion for decoration was not new; it was something that had bloomed in her childhood. 

“My interest in decor was inspired by my mother’s cultural home decorations,” she says. “Her creativity sparked my passion for this kind of work, but I never thought I could do it as a business.” 

She remembers her mother’s joy while rearranging their home, choosing colors, and transforming everyday spaces into warm, welcoming corners. Without realizing it, Hiba had been learning how creativity could change not just a room, but also how it made people feel.  

Perfecting the craft, building the business 

Through the STEP project, Hiba’s skills began to take shape. Trainers from the beauty and decor training institute and mentors from the project guided her through the process, teaching her both the art and business of decoration. 

She learned how to market her work, develop a business plan, and manage clients. Her commitment stood out. She was focused, curious, and eager to learn. Recognizing her dedication, the project supported her with 50,000 ETB worth of start-up materials, helping her launch her small business. Hiba wasted no time. She started taking on small jobs, decorating events, weddings, and special occasions. Word of her creativity spread quickly, and soon, her work began to shine across her community. 

When the STEP project organized a business idea competition to encourage young entrepreneurs, Hiba was invited to participate. Out of 40 contestants, her idea stood out. After several rounds of pitching and evaluation, she won first place, earning not just recognition, but a 100,000 ETB equipment grant to expand her business. 

Paying it forward 

Today, Hiba runs her own small decor business and training center, sharing her knowledge with other young people who are starting their own journeys. Though challenges remain, like the rising cost of materials and the difficulty of building and sustaining business networks, Hiba remains steadfast. 

“The change I want to see in myself, and my career motivates me to become self-reliant, take charge of my life, and create job opportunities for other youth,” she says. 

Hiba’s story is one of courage, creativity, and resilience. It is also a reflection of what happens when determination meets opportunity. 

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.