Born in Wongelawit, Addis Ababa, Serkalem Madde is a dedicated wife and mother of two. Her story is one of resilience, growth, and the transformative power of seizing opportunities.
The Early Years: A Modest Start
After completing 12th grade, I wasn’t able to achieve the results I had hoped for. However, I began working at Ethiopian Airlines through an agency, earning 1 Birr and 10 cents an hour. As an only child, I was fortunate to inherit a small two-room house, which provided a stable place to live. My earnings covered the family’s food needs but left no room for growth or savings.
Discovering WISE: A Life-Changing Opportunity
In 1998, WISE began its work in our Woreda, but I initially paid little attention as I was busy with daily labor. By 1996, I had my first child, and Ms. Asefash Ayele frequently encouraged me to join WISE. After much persuasion, I registered and began saving through her.
As agency work offered little stability, I eventually left my job and returned home. After my mother’s passing, I got married and started a new life with my husband, who worked in welding. With limited income, I joined WISE wholeheartedly in search of better opportunities.
Training That Transformed My Life
The 12 days of training I received at WISE taught me more than I had learned in 12 years of schooling. I gained invaluable skills in financial management, saving, and life organization. My first loan of Birr 700 enabled me to open a small shop, but competition in the area rendered it unsuccessful. Undeterred, I took out subsequent loans to build small mud houses, which I rented out to generate income.
As the demand for housing in my area grew due to a nearby school, I took a bigger loan, upgraded the rental properties, and saw my income increase significantly. This transformation caught the attention of my community, leading many to join the cooperative that had changed my life.
From Member to Leader: A Role Model in the Community
The cooperative played a pivotal role in my success, and I became an active member of its leadership committee. Understanding the importance of living well based on the principles we learned, I borrowed the maximum possible loan from my cooperative and an additional Birr 100,000 from the Union to rebuild my mud houses with hollow blocks. Today, my family lives comfortably in these upgraded homes, and additional rooms generate a monthly rental income of Birr 12,000.
My husband has also expanded his skills, now repairing air conditioners alongside his welding work. With our combined efforts, we’ve been able to provide quality education for our children. When my son faced challenges finding work after earning his engineering degree, I borrowed Birr 500,000 to purchase a commercial vehicle for him, creating a job opportunity. My daughter is now pursuing her studies at Unity University.
Empowering Others Through Leadership
As the chairperson of my cooperative, I am committed to ensuring our members succeed. Loan repayment rates are between 95% and 98%, and we employ strategies like Equbs (rotating savings and loans) to support members facing difficulties. Leaders are held to high standards, serving as role models for the community.
Although there is competition from other cooperatives in our Woreda, we are working to attract more members by offering improved services and showcasing the significant changes we’ve achieved.
A Vision for the Future
With the knowledge and confidence gained from WISE, I’ve taken out a business license in my husband’s name and won a bid to construct staircases for a 40/60 condominium housing project. This venture has provided temporary employment for seven individuals.
Looking ahead, I plan to open a high-end hair salon with my children. I am confident this dream will become a reality. Reflecting on my journey, I often think of how far I’ve come from earning just 1 Birr and 10 cents an hour.
A Message of Gratitude and Inspiration
I owe much of my success to WISE, Ms. Asefash Ayele, and the trainers who guided me. They hold an irreplaceable place in my life. To others, I say: take timely action and never delay making decisions that could change your life. My story is proof that with determination and the right support, you can rise above challenges and achieve greatness.