Tsehay* radiates joy. Her story is the definition of transformation – thanks to the practical, long-term solutions provided by the Tesfa program.
Tesfa means ‘hope’ in Amharic language, and in the Ethiopian capital where Tsehay lives with her family, this opportunity for hope is facilitated by our local partner, Ethiopian Orthodox Church – Development and Inter Church Aid Commission (EOC-DICAC), providing a holistic, sustainable pathway out of poverty.
When Tsehay first joined the Tesfa program, she struggled to earn a reliable income and felt hopeless.
Tsehay's story
“Before the project, I didn’t even have clothes to go out, so I never went out,”
“I used to struggle to feed my children or even to buy them bread. I was about to go and live on the street right before Tesfa came, because I couldn’t afford rent.”
~ Tsehey*, Ethiopia
But everything changed when she joined the Tesfa program. Tsehay received coaching, support and training in finances, life skills, business and technical skills. With support and encouragement from her program mentor, Yengusnesh, she began training in hair and beauty so she could secure a reliable job.
The salon she trained at was so impressed with her dedication she was offered employment.
“I am a changed person. I’m very happy.”
For Tsehay, the social connections and support she received through Tesfa helped grow her confidence and expand her social networks, even helping to break down negative cultural barriers.
“I’ve learned a lot from that [savings] group, being able to speak to other women,” she explains.
“I never interacted with Eritrean people – I had negative views on them, but through the project, I’ve spent time with Eritrean women and now they are like sisters to me.”
The dedication and support she received from her program mentor, Yengusnesh, helped Tsehay believe in herself and hope for a brighter future.
“What she gave me was hope – that things could change, that life could be different. It’s more than having food – having someone who believes in you and supports your dream.”
Now her dreams are coming true, Teshay wants to pay it forward and help other women.
“I aspire to be like her [Yengusnesh]. I aspire to take a woman out of poverty and help a woman build her confidence. And I want to be someone that a woman looks up to.”
“I would like to thank the Australian supporters… for taking me out of poverty and for changing my life. You have changed my life. And may God return what you have done for me to you.”
