“I couldn’t have done this without their support.” W/ro Asefu Melese
In the rugged highlands of Beyeda woreda, Selewa Kebele, W/ro Asefu Melese, a 27-year-old mother, once faced the daily hardship of feeding her son with no land, no income, and no clear path forward. But in March 2023, the RELIVES project—supported by ADA and implemented by ORDA Ethiopia—became a turning point in her life.
Through RELIVES, W/ro Asefu joined the Mushraw Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) and began saving just 30 Birr per month. Her determination led her to engage in multi-dimensional training sessions provided by the project. These included:
- Life skills and leadership
- Financial literacy and loan management
- Business planning and IGA (Income-Generating Activities) selection
- Decision-making and goal-setting strategie
With newfound knowledge and purpose, Asefu increased her monthly savings to 100 Birr. After accumulating 2,000 Birr in savings, she successfully accessed a 6,000 Birr loan with favorable interest, which she invested in purchasing four sheep. In just four months, she earned 7,000 Birr profit from the fattened livestock—a major milestone in her life.
W/ro Asefu’s confidence soared. “I was very impressed with myself,” she shared with a smile that radiated pride. Fueled by success, she reinvested and bought five more sheep worth 15,000 Birr, preparing for even better returns in the coming season.
But her vision extended beyond livestock. She began growing vegetables and selling traditional drinks, diversifying her income and ensuring her household could afford nutritious food and basic needs. Today, Asefu is planning to build her own 40-sheet corrugated iron house in Dilyibza town—a dream she once thought impossible.
Empowerment in Action
Thanks to ORDA Ethiopia's integrated support through RELIVES, W/ro Asefu transformed from a vulnerable, landless mother into a successful entrepreneur and role model in her community. Her disciplined saving, bold decision-making, and relentless commitment have paved a path toward lasting prosperity—not just for her family but for others who now draw inspiration from her journey.
W/ro Asefu expresses heartfelt gratitude to ADA for funding the RELIVES project, saying, “I couldn’t have done this without their support.”