Following the death of her husband more than 8 years ago, Werkaferaw Teferaw struggled to feed and educate her children. Unable to pay the registration fees, Werkaferaw credits Hope Arising with paying her children’s school fees, providing them with uniforms, and purchasing the required study materials. “Because of Hope Arising, my children continued their education.”
Later, Hope Arising provided Werkaferaw a microloan and helped her establish a business. At that time, she was earning only ETB25, or $0.91/day. She used the loan to secure farmland, where she began producing and selling more than a ton of wheat each year. The income from the farm allowed her to feed her family and pay for their schooling.
After repaying her first loan, Werkaferaw received a second loan, which she used to secure a water spicket and to plant fruit trees. Today, she sells lemons, oranges, and other fruit. She also raises 30 layers, which produce eggs for sale at the market.
One of Werkaferaw’s children has now graduated from college and the other children are succeeding in school.
“Thank you very much to all who have helped me. God bless Hope Arising, its donors and staff! You have raised me from a dark place and given me hope for a better life.”
