Helen’s life took a dramatic turn with the help of a $100 microloan, part of Ethiopiaid Canada’s Sustainable Livelihoods Program. In 2014, we provided microloans to 21 women like Helen, specifically targeting disabled women and mothers of disabled children. This program offers not just financial assistance but also essential business training and facilitates the formation of revolving savings groups, creating a sustainable credit source. The beneficiaries are often the most impoverished, marginalized, and excluded from mainstream financial services.

For Helen, joining this program was life-changing. She invested in poultry farming and peanut sales, effectively doubling her family’s income within a year. Despite being the sole provider, Helen managed to send her two daughters to school, secure a modest home rental, and ensure regular meals for her family. Furthermore, she opened a bank account and saves $3 per month. With just one microloan, Helen achieved self-sufficiency, securing a stable future for her daughters, and breaking the cycle of poverty while paving the way for financial independence.