Edilawit is a little girl with big dreams. She attends Atse Zerayakob Primary school in the city of Debre Berhan. The school was founded in 1934 and has a proud record of academic achievement. In the past, many graduates went on to university and professional careers.  Unfortunately, the school was unable to keep up with changing trends in education.

The text books became outdated and the administration could not afford to replace them or purchase the computers that were necessary for their high achieving students. There was no clean water source at the school and the pit privies were in poor repair.

When Meaza completed Grade 10 two years ago, she was one of 100 at-risk youth who were selected for the EDA Youth Livelihood program. She was given vocational training in leather work, small business skills and business and personal finance. Meaza used her $750 US seed funding to purchase a leather sewing machine and supplies.

Meaza’s tiny shop has been open for seven months. She creates and sews high-quality, original leather purses, belts and cosmetic bags, which she sells to stores and handicraft shops. The business is already showing a small profit and Meaza is able to support herself and her mother. Meaza is pleased with her progress so far: “I’m very happy because I have a new skill and I love my work”.

In the future, Meaza dreams of opening a leather manufacturing business in her name and hiring and training other young people to work along with her.

Three years ago, a group of seven unemployed women approached EDA with the goal of starting a community savings and credit association (SAC). They formed a self-help group and were approved for intensive training in business management and financial management and savings.

The Kuloberet Savings and Credit Association now has 132 members. Members deposit 10 Bir ($3 US) a week and after the first year, they are eligible to receive a loan.  The average loan to member is 20,000 Bir and is based on the member’s investment. The association is growing quickly and has over $300,000 in reserve.

All of the decisions made by the association are shared by the women on the management team. The director of the Kuloberet Savings and Credit Association speaks for the group when she says, “The training was very important. It made us aware of savings and leadership. It let us run our SAC”.