Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — May 2010

Thanks to your donations and support, there are twenty-two student mothers now earning money courtesy of Fresh and Green Academy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. For many, it is the first time in their lives they have been able to earn money by any other means than begging or prostitution. At last, they are able to provide not only for themselves. but for their other children who do not attend Fresh and Green.

Eduction in Ethiopia is free, however children do not receive meals. Therefore, many of our students’ siblings would go hungry were it not for the Mothers’ Cooperative.

The mothers cook the meals for the children and help with the cleaning and upkeep of the school. For the past two years they have been meeting after school in one of the classrooms to make jewelry as well.

Their jewelery has been sold at bazaars locally and we have been able to help them out by exchanging their crafts for donations in the US.

Recently, a donation of a years’ rent for a small store near the school has enabled them to have steady employment. They work in shifts to sell items used by the residents of the neighborhood. The profits, as well as the proceeds from the crafts, are distributed to the mothers equally in salary form.

These amazingly strong and hard working women are overcoming major adversities and finally lifting themselves from the poverty they were born into.

They are an inspiration to all of us.

If you would like to purchase some of their beautiful necklaces, bracelets, earrings, eyeglass holders or watchbands, please email us and we will be happy to get you the information. Their prosperity is only possible through your generosity. Thank you for being a Friend.