I was born in Jigjiga, Harar, in 1965. My father, a dedicated military officer, was often stationed on border missions. Despite his hard work, the income he earned was barely enough to support our family. My mother stepped up, preparing and selling traditional drinks like Areke and Tella, along with bread, to ensure we could attend school.
When my father passed away while on duty, our family lost the little financial stability we had. My mother struggled to make ends meet, and a cousin took me in so I could continue my education. From eighth to twelfth grade, I gave birth to two children. Unfortunately, my marriage didn’t work out, and I made the difficult decision to leave my children with my mother and seek work in Saudi Arabia.
Life as a migrant worker came with its own challenges. Despite the hardships, I learned Arabic, which helped me secure better opportunities. Over the 20 years I spent abroad, I was able to support my children financially, ensuring they grew up in a healthier environment. Today, they are proud health professionals, and I am forever grateful.
Although I dreamed of saving enough money to return home, circumstances forced me back when Ethiopian workers were ordered to return. Upon my return, I joined a group of women to start a poultry business. Despite our efforts, we faced management challenges and eventually went bankrupt. Undeterred, we tried again but had to stop when we lost our workspace.
During this period of stress and financial difficulty, I heard about WISE (Women in Self Employment) and their programs for returnees. I joined the Yichalal Savings & Credit Cooperative, and this became the turning point in my life. The training sessions offered by WISE covered essential skills like financial literacy, business management, life skills, and health education, giving me a renewed perspective and confidence in my future.
I began saving diligently and took out loans to rebuild my life. Starting with Birr 150,000, I managed to save Birr 70,000. I later borrowed Birr 200,000 to complete my dream of building a house. Through persistence and careful financial management, I repaid my debts, borrowed more, and continued working hard. Today, I am the proud owner of two houses—one for my family and the other generating rental income.
Through WISE, I’ve not only improved my financial situation but also regained hope and stability in my life. My family, inspired by my transformation, now supports me wholeheartedly. Looking back, I often think that if such opportunities and training had been available earlier, I might never have emigrated. While migration had its benefits, it came at the cost of missing out on my homeland and my children’s formative years.
Today, I am self-sufficient and run a clothing distribution business. Thanks to the knowledge and skills I gained, I’ve developed better saving habits and enjoy a calmer, more secure life.
My message to others is simple: there are opportunities here in your own country. Join organizations like WISE, take advantage of the training, savings, and loan services they offer,
and build a better future for yourself. Migration isn’t the only path to success. With dedication and the right support, you can achieve your dreams at home, where you truly belong.
"Another man’s country is still another man’s country. There’s nothing like thriving in your homeland."
Weynishet Fantu
Yichalal Savings & Credit Cooperative, Akaki-Kaliti Sub-City