Published Tue, Dec 11, 18.
Written by Scott Chleborad.


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Self-Help Groups: to bring forth holistic change so that they are empowered economically, socially, spiritually, politically, etc. Self-Help Groups, or SHGs are small groups of community members who work together to form an entrepreneurial team. While the SHG training focuses largely on economic empowerment through entrepreneurship, training also includes life skills. With a goal to bring about holistic change in more than just the financial realm, training is provided in the areas of sanitation and hygiene, childcare and reproductive health, social development, spiritual growth, and more. SHGs are equipped with a well-rounded arsenal of tools to empower themselves to live a balanced, fulfilled life.

Currently, there are 11 SHGs in the Hossana area, with expansion inevitably approaching. In previous installments, we highlighted the Tsegereda, or “Rose,” SHG. Tsegereda is made up of 13 women, each with their own story of how the SHG has positively impacted their lives. In the prior episodes, we got a glimpse into the life of Asnakech and learned of the heartbreak she endured and how the Tsegereda SHG encouraged her. We also learned of Klorkenesh’s struggle with her daughter’s medical situation and how the SHG surrounds her with prayer and support. We too, continue to pray for Asnakech and Klorkenesh.

Another woman in the group was operating her own business by selling injera, a local type of bread. Klegayehu had been working as an entrepreneur for multiple years, but was unable to make enough profits to grow her business due to her credit situation. When she started her business, she had nothing and needed to take out a loan for seed money. This loan came from local lenders who used their position of financial power to extort her and take financial advantage of Klegayehu’s situation. Unable to escape the financial oppression of her lenders, she was stuck in a seemingly unsurpassable rut. She couldn’t close shop because, despite her predicament, the small profit she was making was still better than no profit at all. There were no other creditors available; and she was trapped. That’s when she got involved in the Self-Help Group. Since joining just a few years ago, her business has seen the exponential growth she knew it was capable of. Klegayehu is extremely grateful for the SHG, which acts similar to a community bank, giving her access to loans at a reasonable rate. The loan system through the SHG has helped her become self-sustainable.

The benefits of the SHG are more than simply financial. Another woman testified to the social impact of the SHG. It is common for people in poverty to feel like an outcast, not having any friends or a support group. For these women, joining the group means more than just having business partners, but also having friends that offer care and support in times of need. These women teach each other skills and are continually learning from one another. As they all continue to grow their own individual businesses, they learn from each other’s mistakes, discuss business strategies, and benefit from a larger business network. But even more than that, these women minister to each other. The Tsegereda SHG is comprised of all believers who continually build each other up and encourage one another in their faith. They operate their businesses with Christian principals and use their businesses to be witnesses to the community. The women pray together, thanking God for the ability to be productive and praising Him for blessing the work of their hands.

“You may say to yourself, ‘My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.’ But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms His covenant, which He swore to your ancestors, as it is today.” – Deuteronomy 8:17-18