Tesfa means ‘hope’ in Amharic language. The Tesfa program, facilitated by our local partner, Ethiopian Orthodox Church – Development and Inter Church Aid Commission (EOC-DICAC), is helping to provide hope by providing a holistic, sustainable pathway out of poverty for people.
When Tsehay* first joined the Tesfa program, she struggled to earn a reliable income and felt hopeless.
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“Before the project, I didn’t even have clothes to go out, so I never went out,” says Tsehay.
“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.”
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.
“Now I am a changed person. I’m very happy.”
~ Tsehay, Tesfa program participant
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.”
“I aspire to be like her. 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 helping take 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.”
~ Tsehay, Tesfa program participant
Act for Peace gratefully acknowledges the support of the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).
For more info about the Tesfa program visit: A pathway out of poverty | Act for Peace
*name changed for privacy reasons