Born in 1972 in Denba, North Shewa, Tirunesh Teshome’s early life shaped her determination to achieve great things. Despite numerous challenges, she paved her own path to success. Here is her story, in her own words:
A Childhood of Responsibilities and Hard Work
As the eldest daughter in my family, I had more domestic responsibilities than my siblings. Balancing school and work was my reality from a young age. My father was a tailor, and by the time I was 13, I had joined him at the company where he worked, spending evenings and weekends assisting him.
Growing up in the countryside, I faced the pressure many girls experience—being forced into marriage as soon as they became “of age.” Determined to forge a different future, I moved to Addis Ababa to escape this fate. Staying with my aunt, I refused to return to the countryside despite my father’s objections. That decision marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life.
Starting Over in Addis Ababa
While pursuing my education, I embroidered Raya dresses and bedclothes in my spare time. I also made red pepper paste and washed clothes for others to earn money. Later, I learned theater skills through Gash Tesfaye Sahlu and performed in plays until 1993. However, after getting married, I put my career on hold to focus on raising my children.
Before I joined WISE in 2012, life was tough. My husband’s salary was insufficient to support our family, even though we owned our home. To make ends meet, I rented out clay houses to others. It was during this difficult period that I discovered WISE and its transformative programs.
Finding Support and Building a Future with WISE
When WISE employees came to our Woreda to introduce their programs, I knew this was the opportunity I needed to fulfill my childhood dreams. I joined the organization and took part in various training programs, including Basic Business Skills, Life Skills, Health, Leadership, and Tailoring.
Starting with just 10 Birr in savings, I gradually grew my account to 40,000 Birr. With a 42,000 Birr loan, I began building rental homes, using the funds to purchase materials like tin and nails. Today, I own multiple rental properties, which have become a significant source of income.
Empowering My Community
Helping others has always been close to my heart. The training I received at WISE strengthened my ability to give back to my community. I work closely with women and children, addressing housing, infrastructure, and health issues in collaboration with our Woreda.
Through community efforts, we’ve established a police center, built a guard tower, and hired two security officers to ensure peace and safety. I also help identify residents in need of medical assistance and connect them with resources, including health insurance.
As the accountant of my cooperative, I have been instrumental in recruiting new members and organizing training sessions. Together with my husband, I also run a business from home, making and selling traditional Ethiopian cloaks.
Achievements and Future Plans
Since joining WISE, I’ve gained financial literacy and improved my money management skills. My efforts were recognized when I won the Business Plan and Transformative Household Methodology competition organized by WISE.
Looking ahead, I aim to purchase a vehicle to expand my business and create employment opportunities for my children. I am proud to serve as a role model, showing others that it is possible to overcome challenges and achieve success.
A Message to Others
I believe I’ve fulfilled my childhood vision through the growth and progress I’ve made. WISE has not only improved my life but also enabled me to help others in my community. My advice to others is to take advantage of opportunities like WISE’s programs. Invest in your skills, savings, and dreams—you, too, can build a brighter future in your own country.
Tirunesh Teshome
Kegna Yimaru Savings & Credit Cooperative, Yeka Sub-city