A Mother’s Journey Back to Stability

Meaza, a mother of four, had once lived a simple but happy life with her husband and children. Though not wealthy, their love, stability, and daily routines gave them peace, until everything changed. The outbreak of war in Tigray from 2020-2022 shattered Meaza’s world. Her husband vanished during the conflict, his whereabouts still unknown. Overnight, she became the sole provider and emotional anchor for her family. There was no time to grieve, only the harsh reality of survival.

Their home, once filled with warmth, had become uninhabitable. Meaza started to notice all its flaws, the leaking roof, freezing nights, and the lack of proper bedding for the children. The children were also forced to drop out of school due to financial hardship and stayed home with her. Each day, Meaza faced the painful question: “What will I feed them today?” Quietly, and without her children knowing, she would walk to the nearest hospital to beg for leftover food, just to put something on the table.

A lifeline in a time of despair

Meaza’s turning point came when the Lekatit Community Care Coalitions found her. Seeing her dire condition, they provided temporary shelter for her family in a kebele facility designated to accommodate underserved families. While Meaza was thankful, she feared it was only a fleeting relief. That was until she was connected to the Nutrition Integrated with Parenting, Livelihood, and Early Education (NIPLEE) project in Mekelle, an initiative by SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia.

A businesswoman in the making

Once enrolled, Meaza embraced every opportunity the project offered. She attended training sessions on personal and environmental hygiene, business development, and livelihood skills. Among the available options, she chose poultry farming, something she had always been interested in but never had the means to start.

Her discipline and dedication quickly set her apart. Recognized as one of the most committed participants, she was among the first to receive a revolving fund to launch an income-generating activity. With support from the project, Meaza received thirty improved egg-laying chickens. Refusing to settle with only that, she used part of her loan to buy thirty more, doubling her potential and showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit.

The start of something good

Meaza’s hands-on care and cleanliness in managing her poultry proved vital. While others were still getting started, her chickens began laying eggs early due to proper feeding and a hygienic environment. Today, fifty of her chickens lay eggs daily, earning her an average of ETB 1,000 per day, a significant and sustainable income. Her next goal is to open her own egg shop, eliminating middlemen and further growing her business.

Through the community support mobilized by the care coalitions, Meaza’s family home also received light renovations, allowing them to return to a safer, warmer living space. The NIPLEE project also extended its support to her children, providing educational materials that not only encouraged them to return to school but also helped them catch up on lost time. Today, they attend regularly and are steadily improving in their studies. Meaza’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. What began as a journey marked by loss has grown into one of resilience, empowerment, and renewed hope.

About the NIPLEE project

The NIPLEE project in Mekelle is designed to create lasting impact by providing access to quality early learning for nearly 300 children. It also strengthens the capacity of 80 caregivers to provide for and nurture their families and supports three public primary schools, government offices, and community-based organizations to sustainably respond to the needs of underserved families. Through its integrated, community-based approach, the NIPLEE project is not just helping families survive, but also helping them thrive.

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