SMCF Ethiopia Children's Fund


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Agerie's Story

Agerie - Livelihood Promotion Officer, Bahir Dar

Agerie knows the value of business. Agerie's father died from malaria when she was 12. Her mother's only form of income was a very small pension. Agerie worked by feeding the family's two cows; to do this she had to walk long distances every day to fetch feed. She worked as a volunteer with JeCCDO helping local women to set up small businesses, and is now employed by JeCCDO as a Livelihood Promotion Officer. The women she bought the feed from are now beneficiaries involved in self help groups

"They cannot believe that I am the same person as the little girl who came to their doorstep every day. Now I am teaching them business skills and support. I know what it is like to be poor and without hope. JeCCDO now gives people the opportunity to help themselves. I feel honoured to be doing this work because I know it is changing lives."

Mesfen has received a loan from JeCCDO. She has used it to set up her own business making bread which she sells in the neighbourhood. Every day her neighbours help her prepare the ingredients and in turn she helps them with their tasks. They meet once a week in a group to discuss their businesses and to support each other

"It has brought us all closer together, we all help each other. Because of this it is not so scary to go into business."

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