A BRIGHTER FUTURE IN ETHIOPIA: HEALTH, LIVELIHOODS
Asasu is a mother of two in Ethiopia. She earns a very modest income growing and selling vegetables. Supporting a family through farming is difficult, making it harder is the fact that both she and her husband live with podoconiosis (podo). This crippling, painful disease attacks the feet and legs, making physical work extremely difficult.
“The disease affected our health, social life, and livelihood,” says Asasu. Fighting the disease and struggling to make ends meet, Asasu learned of a lifeline when she heard about an IOCC-supported health center where they received podoconiosis treatment and learned how to prevent it.
Both she and her husband regained their health—but her family was still barely getting by on the income from their small farm. IOCC and Filantropia, the Orthodox Church of Finland’s international aid agency, were able to offer a solution.
Asasu was one of 24 beneficiaries selected to receive seed money to raise sheep and bees.
She received 10,000 BR (about $65). With the money she bought a modern beehive and three sheep for raising and selling.
The bees are beginning to produce honey, and the sheep are growing well. And like any good businessperson, Asasu is planning for the future.
“Sheep fattening gives a good return,” she said. “I plan to sell and reinvest and will not use the capital until my business is secure.”
With her health restored and a new business to support her family, Asasu’s future looks much brighter.
