A mother-of-five has shared how her participation in one of Hope for Justice’s Self-Help Groups has transformed her family.
Ayelech Tsegey, who lives in Ethiopia, has also received parenting training, learning skills which she has shared with her husband and wider community. The 36-year-old shared openly about how she and her husband used to discipline their children in a “traditional” manner.
She spoke of how, prior to joining a Self-Help Group, they did not forward plan financially and were primarily occupied with their roles and responsibilities, often overlooking their children’s wellbeing. Ayelech said: “The parenting training has truly transformed our approach to raising our children. Both my husband and I have gained a deeper understanding of effective parenting techniques, moving away from traditional methods that we previously relied on. We are now more attentive, supportive, and nurturing towards our children, thanks to the guidance and education provided by Hope for Justice. I am profoundly grateful for the continuous assistance and follow-up from the organisation.”
The family’s main source of income is through Ayelech’s small-scale business as well as through her husband’s job at a local construction company.
Ayelech first became involved with the Self-Help Group after hearing an information session run by community facilitators and one of Hope for Justice’s project officers. She learned how the group operates, and how members support each other, both financially and emotionally. The groups save collectively, and members take turns to receive loans, enabling them to become more self-sufficient, and reduce the future risk of trafficking for the whole family.
Women gather together at one of Hope for Justice’s Self-Help Groups in Ethiopia
Ayelech is an active member, attending weekly meetings and participating in the group’s activities. Inspired by what she learned, Ayelech taught her husband about the importance of saving.
“Before, my husband did not think about the future; he did not consider the importance of planning for our children’s growth and wellbeing”, Ayelech said. She continued: “However, with the knowledge and skills I gained from Hope for Justice training, I have been able to have a positive influence. Now, my husband saves money every month.”
Ayelech said that her husband’s attitude towards family life has also improved drastically thanks to the Self-Help Group. She said: “He now spends quality time with our children. He has taken on the role of mentor, giving lectures to our two sons and three daughters about life and guiding them towards better behaviour. This is a remarkable transformation from his previous methods of dealing with their mistakes.”
Since participating in the good-parenting training provided by Hope for Justice, Ayelech and her husband have shifted their focus towards their children’s overall wellbeing and development. They allocate specific times for play and study. Additionally, they provide a balanced diet for their children. They actively engage in their children’s schoolwork, regularly checking their textbooks and monitoring what they are learning. If they notice any decline in their academic performance, they communicate with teachers to find ways to better support their children.
Eager to share about these positive changes, Ayelech has extended her efforts beyond the home. She now teaches her neighbours about effective parenting and how they can better support their children’s growth and development. She said: “Sharing this knowledge with my community feels rewarding, and I am committed to helping others benefit from what I have learned.
“Hope for Justice has played a significant role in my life, not only by providing information and guidance but also by fostering a supportive network that encourages personal and economic growth. Being a part of the Self-Help Group has given me hope and a sense of purpose. Overall, the impact of Hope for Justice on our lives has been profound. The organization has empowered us with the knowledge and skills to become better parents, and for that, I am deeply thankful.”
You can read more about our Self-Help Groups here: Empowering women towards a bright future in Ethiopia (hopeforjustice.org)
