Transforming Lives

The SIDA-funded pilot Cash plus financial inclusion training in the Oromia region reached 1,905 individuals (1,158 women and 747 men), covering topics such as financial literacy, access to finance through various platforms, and establishment and operation of self-help groups (SHGs). Through this programme working mother like Teshay, Rachel, and Ibistu, addressed their immediate financial needs while working to build a more sustainable livelihoods for themselves and their children 

Tsehay Ayalew, a 40-year-old woman beneficiary of this training, lives in Shashemene with her husband, Tesfay Admasu, and their three children. Tesfay works as a security officer, while Tsehay previously worked as an injera baker and seller. Her eldest daughter is a university student, while two of her children are in primary school. Despite both parents working, their combined income barely covers their household expenses, let alone the tuition fees for their children. Not being able to send money to her daughter was very stressful. But thanks to the financial training she received, she was able to overcome this challenge.

"The Cash Plus programme changed everything for me. With the training and support, I turned my setback into a success. Now, I can proudly say I'm providing for my family" says Tsehay. She further explained, “With this support, I started breeding chickens and I also invested 5,000 ETB into my coffee business. I also joined a self-help group of 15 members to help me save 200 ETB biweekly. And once a certain amount is reached, we take the money to improve or start our own business.”

Similarly, Rahel Mulugeta, a 35-year-old single mother, transformed her life after the training. She works in the coffee business and is one of the beneficiaries who has greatly benefited from the Financial Inclusion Training. After her husband passed away, Rahel became the sole breadwinner for her family.  This responsibility became a challenge as she couldn’t carry the load on her own. Due to this, her son would sometimes go hungry.

However, after receiving cash support along with financial inclusion training, she said her situation improved significantly. In addition to her coffee business, she started a business selling bottled water. Rahel now runs her businesses efficiently, free from the financial constraints that once held her back.

"The training taught me invaluable skills that transformed my business. Today, I manage my finances wisely and can support my family without the constant worry of debt" says Rahel Mulugeta.

On the other side of Oromia, we meet Ibsitu Mohammed, a 24-year-old widow living with her three children. Six years ago, she was displaced from Jijiga, Somalia, where she used to make a living by selling vegetables in the local market. The displacement turned her life upside down, bringing not only financial hardship but also emotional distress.

Despite the struggles, Ibsitu remained hopeful but when her husband suddenly ended his life, everything changed. The loss of her husband shattered Ibsitu's world. "No words can describe how I felt then," she reflects. Left alone to care for their two children, with a third on the way, Ibsitu struggled with stress and uncertainty. However, with the cash support and financial training, she regained her hope.

"The money helped me feed my children and care for my newborn," Ibsitu explains. Motivated by the support, she invested in a goat to secure additional income and dreams of expanding to cattle farming. "I want to create a stable future for my kids," she says with determination. "Opening a shop is also on my horizon; I want to work hard to ensure my children have opportunities that I never had."

For Ibsitu, the program was more than just financial aid—it was a beacon of hope during her darkest hour. "It gave me the strength to carry on and build a better life," she concludes. "I’m thankful for this opportunity and hopeful for what lies ahead."

The financial inclusion approach has profoundly impacted individuals and families in Shashemene and Bishanguracha IDP found in the Oromia region, providing not just cash assistance but also essential financial management training. These stories highlight the programme's effectiveness in not only addressing immediate financial needs but also empowering individuals like Tsehay, Rahel and Ibsitu to build sustainable livelihoods and plan for a brighter future.