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With support from Irish Aid, Adanech’s dream of having her own café will become a reality

Adanech Birehanu (50) from Gondar, Ethiopia, who has achieved her dream of owning her own cafe after being offered financial assistance by Trócaire.

Adanech Birehanu (50) from Gondar, Ethiopia, who has achieved her dream of owning her own cafe after being offered financial assistance by Trócaire. Photo: Barnaby Jaco Skinner. Adanech Birehanu (50) from Gondar, Ethiopia, who has achieved her dream of owning her own cafe after being offered financial assistance by Trócaire. Photo: Barnaby Jaco Skinner.

Adanech Birehanu (50) is a widowed mother-of-four who lives in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. When her husband died 13 years ago, she struggled to provide for her family.

“Life was difficult. My children needed help. I just had to keep going for them.” she says.

Adanech dreamed of setting up her own café. She sometimes had a small amount of the local spirit, Araki, to sell. But she had no means to make her dream become a reality.

Adanech and her daughter Arsema Jemal. Together they run a cafe in Addis Ababa, selling local delicacies and drinks. Photo: Barnaby Jaco Skinner. Adanech and her daughter Arsema Jemal. Together they run a cafe in Addis Ababa, selling local delicacies and drinks. Photo: Barnaby Jaco Skinner.

With support from Irish Aid, CST (Cafod, Sciaf, Trócaire) and the Organisation for Women in Self Employment, Adanech received business training and loans which helped her buy more stock of Araki, and supplies of a home-made beer, Tala.

Adanech started by buying five litre cartons of the spirit and selling small glasses for 10 birr (18c) each. As her business was well located on a main street, she quickly paid back her loans. She is now able to buy 60 litre jerry cans of Araki to sell, and Tala in bulk.

“My income increased immediately which allowed me to help my children with clothes, food, and school. I never buy anything for myself, though, I save, save, save all my money. I am protecting my family, teaching my children not to repeat my life,” Adanech said.

The mother-of-four now has big plans for her future.

“I want to sell coffee next, not just Araki and Tala. I want to be a coffee shop owner. I believe I can do it. I have the vision now because of the programme. I believe in myself. I am a hard-working lady and it’s paying off.”

“I am very thankful for the people of Ireland. May God protect you all. Please keep supporting us, there are many more who need your help.”

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