Business Training Creates Financially Independent Youth

The Struggle

“The reality of my life didn’t allow me to think too much about my dreams,” says 17-year-old Mikiyas. “It has always been my dream to stand alongside my mother and share the burden of providing for our family. I also wanted to pursue my passion, but I couldn’t find the means to make enough money to do so.”

Since he was a child, Mikiyas has seen his mother struggle to feed the family. He has also seen her stand tall and persevere as she experimented with various small businesses to generate a little more income for her four children. As the eldest child in the family, Mikiyas tried to ease the financial burden at home by washing cars and running errands after school. However, the money he earned didn’t bring much change. He wanted to try his hands at something bigger. He wanted to run his own business.

For young people in Ethiopia, finding a job is a significant hurdle. Almost one-third of the country is aged between 15 and 29, and 87% of all registered job searchers are in this same age range. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate is consistently rising, and the problem is most severe outside of the major cities.

Besides formal education at school, many students don’t have opportunities to explore their talents or get trained in skills that could increase their employability. Their potential gets buried, and young people with dreams and aspirations are forced to live off their caregivers at an age when they could be self-sufficient.

The Strategy

In addition to supporting students’ formal educations, Compassion centers in Ethiopia equip youths with skills that will make them successful in the job market and ensure long-term economic self-sufficiency.

In Bale Robe town, Compassion’s local partner, Kale Hiwot Church, is uniquely implementing this strategy. They organize entrepreneurship training for their youths and loan them seed money so that they can make their business ideas a reality. The initiative is significantly empowering the youths as they venture out into the world.

As a registered teenager at the center, Mikiyas was one of the first 48 students who were selected to attend the entrepreneurship training. The training identified each student’s interests and talents and introduced them to different businesses. After the students attended the training sessions, they submitted business proposals. The trainers and center staff coached them through the process and assessed their proposals for feasibility.

Selling merchandise, providing bike maintenance, renting out a foosball game table and owning a fast-food stand were some of the business ideas proposed by the youth. Then, with the seed money the center loaned them, many were able to make their plans a reality within a short time. Their excitement and eagerness to apply what they had learned confirmed the timeliness and importance of the training.

“The students were very enthusiastic, and they had big ideas,” said Letarik, the Compassion center director. “Their passion made the process smooth, and we saw the fruit faster than we expected. We’re encouraged to know that our students are getting the skills to work their way into financial independence and into fearlessly pursuing their dreams. In a country where the number of college graduates and job opportunities is unequal, seeing our students have additional skills and the academic vigor to succeed is rewarding.”

Mikiyas didn’t waste time in starting his business. He started off by renting, repairing and maintaining bicycles using tools he received from the center. He then saved enough money to add to his 5000 Birr ($970 USD) seed money and used the funds to open a small merchandise shop.

The Success

“Before the training, I didn’t know how I would achieve my dreams, nor did I have the resources,” said Mikiyas. “I knew about running a business from observing my mother. However, the training I received has made my vision clearer and empowered me to back my interest with knowledge. The seed money was also a huge part of why I succeeded.”

Mikiyas didn’t stop with his shop. He bought a foosball table and started charging the community a small price to play the game. After school, he also sells French fries from his shop. Mikiyas has repaid the seed loan and is making a living. His dream of supporting his mother financially is now realized and is his biggest achievement. On a good day, Mikiyas earns around 1500 Birr (USD $30).

“The Compassion center has made a mark on every area of my life,” he said. “If I talk about my education, their impact is visible. If I talk about my beliefs and values, they would be the first ones I would mention. I found my passion from the way they kindly guided and supported all of us at the center. They generously paved the way for me to succeed.”

Mikiyas wants to be involved in charity work. He is known for helping the elderly and those who are in desperate need of support in his community. He organizes fundraisers and encourages his fellow students at school and at the center to get involved in this community work. He even facilitates house renovations and special meals at holiday times for those who can’t afford them.

The center staff monitors the students’ business activities and provides encouragement in the form of tips and advice to those who are struggling. “Parents are blessing their children because of the fruit they see. They are thankful for the opportunity. We are also encouraged to see the students succeed,” said Letarik.

He continues, highlighting the importance of education alongside this work: “Many are still in school, and they are able to do both simultaneously. In fact, we don’t allow them to compromise their schoolwork. We are also grateful for the support and guidance of our partnership facilitator who has walked with us throughout this process.”

For Mikiyas’ mother, Tsege, seeing her son’s success in his businesses isn’t the peak of her excitement. The fact that he is pursuing his passion is what makes her proud.

“Mikiyas is my confidant. He had seen me pass through a lot, ever since his father passed away. He always wanted to ease the burden at home, even if all I wanted him to do was focus on his education. We are privileged to have the Compassion center by our side. They have guided and supported him. They are the reason for his success. I bless them every day,” said Tsege.