Mother Builds a Business and a Better Life for her Family

Bemnet grew up in the Ethiopian countryside in a humble farming family. As a child, she spent her days herding cattle, fetching water, and gathering firewood with her siblings. Though she loved school, she had to leave after middle school when farm work and household chores became too demanding. Hoping for a better future, she moved to Addis Ababa with her aunt, but both struggled to find steady work. Food was scarce, housing was unstable, and eventually her aunt left for domestic work in the Middle East, leaving Bemnet alone and vulnerable. To survive, she became a live-in maid, working exhausting hours for little pay.

Bemnet with daughters Rodas and Markan

During this difficult time, Bemnet met Aregahegn, and they soon married. Within three years, they had two daughters, but the financial strain of supporting a family of four led to conflict. Soon after their second child was born, Aregahegn abandoned them, leaving Bemnet to face overwhelming hardship on her own. She lost her job because she couldn’t balance full-time work with caring for two small children, and she was forced to beg on the streets to feed them.

Everything changed in June 2023, when Lelt launched a new program in her neighborhood. Bemnet applied for assistance through the government and was accepted as one of its first beneficiaries. Her family received health insurance, food rations, and household necessities. Most importantly, her eldest daughter Rodas entered Lelt’s child sponsorship program, which covers education costs, daily nutritious meals, after-school tutoring, computer training, and clothing – giving Rodas a stable foundation to thrive.

Rodas, left with friend Serkalem at Lelt's community center

Lelt also empowered Bemnet through its business creation program. She received training in business management, seed capital, and mentorship to start her own enterprise. Recognizing a need in her community, she opened a small daycare in early 2024, allowing local mothers to work while their children were cared for. She began with 10 children, quickly expanding to over 20 in a rented space, supported by guidance from Lelt’s program team and advocacy from the Center’s director.

Bemnet at her day care center

Today, Bemnet’s daycare has become a lifeline for her neighborhood and a testament to her resilience. With continued coaching, she plans to expand further, creating a sustainable livelihood for her family and freeing them from dependency. Her journey – from farm chores and street begging to becoming a successful entrepreneur – shows the power of opportunity and the strength of a determined mother to build a better future.