Ethiopia/People and Projects

“I never thought I would earn this income in my life”

(07 March 2011)

Birhane makes boxes for a living

Islamic Relief runs Livelihood Support projects in three villages in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The scheme has already helped 350 female-headed-households to increase their household income and support their families.

Birhane Getachew, 26, is a carpenter and a mother of three. She previously earned about $5 a week making cup boxes for a local company: “I could barely cover household expenses,” explained Birhane, who has recently re-married. “There were days when we would sleep without food because I ran out of money.”

Islamic Relief provided Birhane with business training and an interest-free microcredit loan to set up her own business. She and her new husband now work together on her business, making a profit of 40 cents for each cup box.

She now earns almost as much money in a single day as she used to earn in a week.

“I never thought I would earn this income in my life,” she said. “Our life, my life, and the lives of my family have totally changed. I am able to send my children to a good school where they get a quality education. Our house is properly furnished, and I can pay for tap water. ”

On average, women who take part in this project increase their earnings by over 40%. Birhane saves up to $36 each month, and plans to expand her business. She explained, “Thanks to Islamic Relief, I am full of hope and full of enthusiasm.”

Donate to Islamic Relief's livelihood support projects to help more women, like Birhane, to support themselves ans their families.

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