Fitsum is a bright, thoughtful, and energetic 7-year-old boy. He was born in Karakore, a small neighborhood on the outskirts of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital. He lives with his mother, Meseret, and older brother, Kidus, in a small home, far from their extended family who reside deep in the countryside of Ethiopia. Recently promoted to the second grade, Fitsum's favorite subject is Amharic Language, and he enjoys playing soccer and volleyball.
Life has been challenging for this family. In September 2016, just three months after Fitsum’s birth, his father, Abraham, was hit and killed in a traffic accident while on his way to see his newborn son. Abraham had been the primary breadwinner while Meseret stayed home to raise their children. His sudden death left Meseret to shoulder the entire responsibility of providing for her family. While grieving, Meseret quickly took on multiple jobs, working as a day laborer and part-time maid to support her sons. Her determination to create a better life for them was resolute.
In 2021, hope emerged for this family when Fitsum was accepted into Lelt's scholarship program. This program provided crucial support, significantly improving the family’s living conditions and offering support for a brighter future. The sponsorship covered essentials such as a school tuition, food, healthcare, and school supplies for Fitsum.
In addition to supporting Fitsum's education, Lelt also empowered Meseret and a group of other women to start their own business collective. In collaboration with the local government, they received vocational training in poultry farming, equipping them with the skills to start their own small business. The initiative also provided them with startup supports, including a workstation, 500 chicks, and enough feed to sustain the chickens for three months. Meseret and the other women worked from dawn to dusk on their new business venture. However, they soon faced unforeseen financial difficulties, as they lost some of their birds due to disease, and the cost of feed rose with skyrocketing inflation. Recognizing their determination and potential, Lelt stepped in again, offering an interest-free loan to help them through this challenging period.
This loan became a crucial lifeline. With renewed determination, Meseret and her partners managed to stabilize their business. Over time, their hard work began to pay off, and the poultry business started generating income, providing much-needed stability and hope for their families.
Meseret is immensely proud of the progress they’ve made and grateful for the opportunities that have come their way. The business has given her and her partners a sense of independence and hope, allowing them to dream of a better future for their children.
As for Fitsum and Kidus, they continue to focus on their studies, drawing inspiration from their mother's resilience and the support they’ve received. With a brighter future now within reach, the family is determined to make the most of every opportunity. Meseret’s journey from hardship to entrepreneurship is a testament to the power of perseverance, community support, and the unwavering love of a mother for her children.
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