From Beneficiaries to Business Owners: Women Entrepreneurs Transform Lives Through Babul Keyer USA Support

Addis Ababa, August 5, 2024 – A bread-making machine arrived as a donation. Today, it is the heart of a women-run bakery employing former feeding program beneficiaries. Sewing machines became a tailoring cooperative. Shoe-making equipment now produces school uniforms for local children.

These are the stories of Babul Keyer USA's women entrepreneurs program, which transforms beneficiaries into business owners through training, equipment, and support.

"I came to Babul Keyer USA for food," recalls Hawa, who now runs a successful bakery. "They gave me that, but they also gave me so much more. They saw potential in me that I didn't see in myself. Today, I employ three other women from the feeding program. We are no longer waiting for help – we are helping ourselves and others."

The program identifies beneficiaries from the daily feeding program and provides them with specialized training and equipment: industrial bread-making machines, sewing machines, shoe-making equipment, and washing machines for laundry services. Each woman receives hands-on training and ongoing support to ensure business success.

Professional designing training has also been provided for young ladies, youth, and other community groups, with seed money provided to start sustainable income generation activities. This holistic approach ensures that beneficiaries can build businesses that last.