Almaz greeted us with a radiant smile, her sewing machine proudly displayed in her home. She is a devoted mother to four children (ages 17, 16, 10, and 9), all of whom are HIV-negative.

Before joining the program, Almaz washed clothes by hand and took on various odd jobs to survive. The training changed her life, teaching her the skill of sewing. She now buys fabric from the Merkato market and runs a thriving sewing business, with her 16-year-old daughter promoting her work on social media. Almaz has saved 3,000 birr and now confidently provides for her family.

The program’s nutrition and hygiene education were particularly impactful for Almaz. She now ensures her family eats healthily and practices good hygiene, brushing her teeth regularly after overcoming past infections. The joy in her children’s eyes reflects their pride in seeing their mother thrive.

Almaz dreams of expanding her skill set to include hairdressing and is grateful for the friendships she has built with other women in the program. She values the networking opportunities, which have been a source of support and empowerment.