Zeritu’s Journey: A Story of Hope, Resilience, and Transformation

For Zeritu Kassahun, life had always been a test of resilience. At just 29, the mother of two faced challenges that many would find overwhelming. With her eldest daughter, 14, struggling in school, and her 11-year-old son depending on her, Zeritu found herself juggling the responsibilities of single parenthood after the loss of her husband. Her own health complications had forced her to give up her job as house help, leaving her family with no steady income. The struggle to provide for her children, keep a roof over their heads, and ensure their education often felt insurmountable.

In her community, poverty weighed heavily on many, but Zeritu’s situation was particularly dire. She was at a crossroads, torn between staying with her children in dire circumstances or leaving them to seek work in the city. Yet even in these moments of uncertainty, she resolved to find a way forward for her family. “I had made up my mind to leave my children with my aunt and move to Addis Ababa to work as a cleaner,” Zeritu recalls. “But my heart broke at the thought of them losing me so soon after their father. It was a time when even the thought of living felt unbearable.”

In 2021, just when her darkest hour seemed imminent, the Educare Nekemt Project, funded by SOS Finland, came into her life like a lifeline. Zeritu vividly remembers the project’s first visit to her home, where there was little more than bare walls and an aching emptiness—she had sold all her furniture to survive.

The project didn’t just provide aid; it offered Zeritu a fresh start. She received training that transformed her mindset, enabling her to see opportunities where despair once loomed. With an initial seed fund of 3,000 birr, she ventured into baking and selling injera, using borrowed equipment to get started. What began as a modest business quickly grew, and her entrepreneurial spirit flourished. Today, Zeritu buys 100 kg of teff regularly, employs a helper, and has diversified her income through poultry farming.

The support didn’t end there. The project provided her children with school supplies, uniforms, and moral guidance. “My daughter, who once struggled in school and failed 5th grade three times, now stands second in her class,” Zeritu beams with pride. The M&E officers’ regular follow-ups and encouragement created a ripple effect, instilling hope and confidence in her children.

Zeritu also learned to save and joined an equb (a traditional Ethiopian savings group), which enabled her to plan for the future. “I draw 7,200 birr every six weeks, which has helped me buy items for a small café I dream of opening,” she shares.

Zeritu with the new items she bought for her new cafe

Beyond financial empowerment, the training reshaped Zeritu’s approach to parenting. She learned to treat her children equally and to prioritize their well-being, a principle she now holds dear. “I used to favor my son because he showed empathy beyond his years, but I realized that love should be distributed equally, and every child needs support based on their unique needs.”

The Nekemte Educare Project has been more than just a lifeline for Zeritu; it has been a catalyst for transformation for countless others. Over the past three years, this project, funded by the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, exceeded its ambitious targets, directly benefiting 1,645 children and 320 caregivers. Beyond individual success stories like Zeritu’s, the project strengthened 163 community-based organizations, ensuring the sustainability of its impact.

Through targeted training, financial literacy programs, and community empowerment efforts, caregivers like Zeritu have achieved economic independence. With income-generating activities now thriving, families are better equipped to meet their needs, prioritize education, and provide their children with brighter futures. The project’s emphasis on resilience and adaptability has empowered communities to overcome adversities such as economic hardships and conflict.

As the Nekemte Educare Project concludes in December 2024, its legacy remains clear. It is a model of success that has not only transformed individual lives but also created a ripple effect across entire communities. For Zeritu and many others, it has been a beacon of hope—helping them rebuild their lives, prioritize their children’s futures, and dream bigger than ever before.

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