Mrs. Ilifinesh Lemma and her two children did not have a table where they could eat, nor did they have beds where they could sleep. She earned only $0.74 day.
“I love Hope Arising because it taught me how to begin a business, gave me an interest free loan, and taught me to save part of my income.”
Today, Ilifinesh runs a small business making and selling injera at the market. She also farms a small plot and sells the excess produce to supplement her income, which has almost tripled. Each week she sets aside a small amount in a savings account so that she is prepared for future needs. Her home is now furnished with a small sofa and a bed, enabling her to sleep better at night.
“One of my sons is attending nursery school and I no longer worry whether I can afford school materials and the uniform for my older son,” Ilifinesh expressed. “I am grateful to Hope Arising’s staff and donors. They have helped me change my life for the better.”