Thank you for your incredible support of the people in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We are so excited to tell you about the support you have given for basket weaving and income generation for the people of the Bishoftu community.
Before being given this training, parents struggled to feed and care for their children. They would often spend nights having only a cup of coffee and the small bit of food given at the traditional coffee ceremony. Tesfaye Yirga, one of the beneficiaries, says “Before, my source of income was gained from carrying raw meat to the butchery houses in my town. Since the income was insufficient to feed my children, I was struggling for survival. There were several times that we spent the night without food when there was no money.”
Training
So far, 15 adults have been through the weaving class and are now selling “netela,” a typical cultural piece of clothing. All beneficiaries received two days of training on entrepreneurship, saving and credit management, and income generation. A weaving training was also provided to the caregivers over 6 months. The training covered weaving design work, spinning, pushing the pedals of the weaving machine, carpeting work, and maintenance of the machine. Upon the completion of the training, they were certified with weaving skills.
Impact
This training changes the lives of these families. Through training and their new skills, household income has increased by 17%. Tesfaye Yirga also writes, “Since joining the weaving group and receiving the training from the project, I have been able to afford food. From the weaving earning we have obtained, I am now able to support my children and family. When we began the weaving, it was challenging to do the thread and pedals smoothly. But the project staff encouraged us that we would get better at the weaving as we practiced. Now I can fix and adjust the weaving machine by myself when it is broken. I hope that I will be a professional weaver for the future. I am so grateful to those who have helped me to realize this.”
The beneficiaries are learning that through working hard and the support of the project, they are able to provide for their families and better their lives.
A Changed Community
Through your generosity, the community is being changed. The caregivers are able to buy food and sanitation materials for their children, but they are also having a shift in their attitude towards life. The pastor writes that he saw a change toward the importance of working hard. Before, there was an attitude of hopelessness and feeling unable to change their circumstances. This training and provision of business skills training has made them passionate about being able to provide through weaving and have a bright hope for the future.
Through this business, the community is becoming more open to the gospel and the church. When the community sees the good work the church does in the community, the more the door opens for outreach. The church has been able to give all glory to God for changed lives and provision.
Northgate Church, thank you for partnering with Compassion and the church in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It is allowing parents to provide for their children and the gospel to go out into the community.