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OUR GRADUATES
Our goal is that every family would become self-sustaining and thrive.
In 2023, we had over 100 families graduate from our Empowerment Program.
These families are now considered self-sufficient and can provide for their families independently without monthly support. This is the ultimate goal of Family Hope International - freedom from extreme poverty thru empowerment!
Continue scrolling to view photos and testimonials from some of our graduated families.
Total 2023 Graduates
by Project Area
ETHIOPIA
Bole Bulbula: 9
Dembidollo: 33
Gutumuma: 25
Hanicha: 2
Meseret Kristos: 11
Shashemene: 26
Learn more about our Empowerment Program or Fund a Micro-Loan today!
2023 DD Grads
2023 DEMBIDOLLO GRADUATES
(Click on the text or image below to read the full testimonial)
DD-0013 Marta Likasa
“My name is Marta Likasa, I have three daughters and my husband died. When my husband died, Family Hope International started supporting my family. I have been leading my life by working as a daily laborer and I earn 25 birr per day (less than 50 cents USD). My life before you have started supporting me was full of troubles. I did not have anything to feed my children and I could not cook food for my children at home since there was nothing to cook. I bought baked injera at the market to feed my children.
But one day God came to change my family’s life through FHI. God has reached us at the end. The neighboring people do not know me and nobody cared about my family. After FHI started supporting my family, I have seen a bright thing in my future. I can cook for my children and they are able to attend school. My sponsors have bought me a bed and bedding as extra support. I have not needed to buy any additional food. One of my daughters has graduated from Wollega University and the second one will graduate this year. My third daughter got married and she has started leading her life.
Concerning my microloan, I had never had that much money before. The loan has helped me in many ways and my life has changed because of it. I could not afford clean water but now I can. I have a place in the market where I can sell coffee and other produce from my property. I have made a profit and it helped me build my house. I have cash in my account and a small farm with seeds and fertilizer.
I would like to bless FHI sponsors and the staff for what they have done for my family and me. May God bless you and your families, may God bless you abundantly.”
But one day God came to change my family’s life through FHI. God has reached us at the end. The neighboring people do not know me and nobody cared about my family. After FHI started supporting my family, I have seen a bright thing in my future. I can cook for my children and they are able to attend school. My sponsors have bought me a bed and bedding as extra support. I have not needed to buy any additional food. One of my daughters has graduated from Wollega University and the second one will graduate this year. My third daughter got married and she has started leading her life.
Concerning my microloan, I had never had that much money before. The loan has helped me in many ways and my life has changed because of it. I could not afford clean water but now I can. I have a place in the market where I can sell coffee and other produce from my property. I have made a profit and it helped me build my house. I have cash in my account and a small farm with seeds and fertilizer.
I would like to bless FHI sponsors and the staff for what they have done for my family and me. May God bless you and your families, may God bless you abundantly.”
DD-0015 Bushu Moroda
“My name is Bushu Moroda. My life before Family Hope International started supporting me is very different from that of today. My children were scattered due to poverty. It was very difficult. At that time, I was working as a daily laborer making maube 10 birr (less than 20 cents USD) per day if I got that work. If not, I went to sleep without eating at night.
FHI has supported my family for the last 8 years and their support is monthly. After they started supporting my family, I have seen a bright future. We received food to eat and I have started preparing meals for my children as a woman does. My children have returned to school, they get exercise books, bags, school uniforms. They have been distributing us teff, maize, oil, soap, peas, exercise books, bag, and pen; we have been getting food support every month. My sponsors have even bought me a bed and bedding and clothing. They have fixed my roof so now I am living in a good house. Since FHI has started supporting my family, I have not bought any additional food from the market. Monthly distribution was enough for my family.
I have repaid my loan. I have been working in the market and from that loan profit, I have bought housing materials, shoes and some things for my daughter. I have also supported my scattered children where they are. I have farmed a small plot of land with some people and share the product.
Finally, I would like to bless the supporting families for what they have been doing for me and for poor people like me. May God help you forever and ever, may God remove any obstacles in front of you and your families.”
FHI has supported my family for the last 8 years and their support is monthly. After they started supporting my family, I have seen a bright future. We received food to eat and I have started preparing meals for my children as a woman does. My children have returned to school, they get exercise books, bags, school uniforms. They have been distributing us teff, maize, oil, soap, peas, exercise books, bag, and pen; we have been getting food support every month. My sponsors have even bought me a bed and bedding and clothing. They have fixed my roof so now I am living in a good house. Since FHI has started supporting my family, I have not bought any additional food from the market. Monthly distribution was enough for my family.
I have repaid my loan. I have been working in the market and from that loan profit, I have bought housing materials, shoes and some things for my daughter. I have also supported my scattered children where they are. I have farmed a small plot of land with some people and share the product.
Finally, I would like to bless the supporting families for what they have been doing for me and for poor people like me. May God help you forever and ever, may God remove any obstacles in front of you and your families.”
DD-0016 Nigatu Tesfaye
“My name is Nigatu Tesfaye. Before Family Hope International started supporting my family, I was leading my family life by washing clothes for others. I also was collecting coffee beans as a daily laborer. Since I did not have anything to feed my family, I had to work every day so I did not get a chance to worship God with my church members. Nevertheless, after FHI started supporting my family, I got everything I needed for my children and I now had time to worship God, as well as serve the church. I was able to stop working as a daily laborer when I received the microloan.
It was amazing to start receiving support from FHI. From that day onwards, my family life started moving upward. Thanks to almighty God, we have been getting food support every month and I have not had to purchase any food. I am working my business and selling injera. My eldest son was able to get a drivers license thanks to my profit. I have saved money and been able to purchase things for my family.
I would like to bless God and my sponsor families for the great thing God has done through them. This is amazing for me and for people like me. I will start supporting people that need support as much as God allows me to do so.”
It was amazing to start receiving support from FHI. From that day onwards, my family life started moving upward. Thanks to almighty God, we have been getting food support every month and I have not had to purchase any food. I am working my business and selling injera. My eldest son was able to get a drivers license thanks to my profit. I have saved money and been able to purchase things for my family.
I would like to bless God and my sponsor families for the great thing God has done through them. This is amazing for me and for people like me. I will start supporting people that need support as much as God allows me to do so.”
DD-0019 Argane Lamu
“My name is Argene Lamu. Our life before FHI started supporting us was very difficult. At that time we did not have anything to eat, not even teff was in my house. We ate sorghum with maize. But after FHI started supporting me, my family’s life has changed and we have seen a bright future. My family receives teff, maize, soap, oil, sugar, peas and has also been gifted a bed, bedding, clothing and many other things.
I received a microloan and this money has done so much for me. I was able to purchase sheep as well as 2 plots of land with coffee plants on them. I share the product equally with the owner of the coffee plant. I have purchased good seed as well as fertilizer to help farm the land with my family. When the coffee and maize is harvested, I will make over $1,700 USD. I am completely independent now and have money in my savings account.
I would like to bless Family Hope International sponsors as well as all of the staff for what they have done for my family.”
I received a microloan and this money has done so much for me. I was able to purchase sheep as well as 2 plots of land with coffee plants on them. I share the product equally with the owner of the coffee plant. I have purchased good seed as well as fertilizer to help farm the land with my family. When the coffee and maize is harvested, I will make over $1,700 USD. I am completely independent now and have money in my savings account.
I would like to bless Family Hope International sponsors as well as all of the staff for what they have done for my family.”
DD-0045 Asegedu Ofgaha
“My name is Asegedu Ofgaha. Before Family Hope started supporting us, to tell you the truth, we did not have anything. I am from another area, called Gargeda, and do not have any relatives except my one brother. I rented a small room but had nothing to eat. One day, God saw my family through FHI. We started getting monthly food support as well as help with school uniforms, exercise books and pens.
I received a loan and was able to start my own business breeding hands. I have bought land for building a house. If I sell the land today, it is worth over $5,000 USD.
I would like to thank FHI sponsor families for what they have done for me. My son is now a government employee so he is able to help me and thanks to my business, I do not see any problems in our future.”
I received a loan and was able to start my own business breeding hands. I have bought land for building a house. If I sell the land today, it is worth over $5,000 USD.
I would like to thank FHI sponsor families for what they have done for me. My son is now a government employee so he is able to help me and thanks to my business, I do not see any problems in our future.”
Genet Dula, Bole Bulbula, Ethiopia
"When I joined Family Hope International I was living in living with many challenges. I had nothing to feed my children and no source of income to fulfill the needs of my family. But after you began supporting my family, you saved us from hunger, disease and death. I want to thank God who sent you as an angel to rescue our family."
Gutumuma Grads
2023 GUTUMUMA GRADUATES
(Click on the text or image below to read the full testimonial)
HG-0003 Momina Dula
“Before I joined FHI I was in a very bad situation of life with my family. Nurturing my children was very difficult for me. But after joining FHI, I started receiving monthly food support and could care better for my children. My sponsors and FHI even built a new home for me which gave my family rest from rain, wind, and sun. I started raising and reselling young bulls with a micro-loan. I used two of the bulls to plough my farm. I have since saved over $480 USD which is what I would have paid to rent two oxen.”
“Last year was difficult for me because of the drought. It was a challenge to care for my bulls. However, I am doing well. I own my home and have money in my savings account. I have business knowledge gained from training and job experience. I like my business and plan to continue raising and selling young bulls. I will also help new beginners in the Empowerment Program by advising them. God helped me and my children and saved us from great problems. I bless FHI and pray for them and my sponsor. May God bless them and protect them!”
“Last year was difficult for me because of the drought. It was a challenge to care for my bulls. However, I am doing well. I own my home and have money in my savings account. I have business knowledge gained from training and job experience. I like my business and plan to continue raising and selling young bulls. I will also help new beginners in the Empowerment Program by advising them. God helped me and my children and saved us from great problems. I bless FHI and pray for them and my sponsor. May God bless them and protect them!”
HG-0011 Sura Wakayo
“Before joining Family Hope International, I had a hard life and couldn’t feed my 8 children. I could not send them to school in Bulbula Town. But after joining FHI, I received food support and this made a big difference in our lives. I then received a loan and started raising and reselling young bulls. I used these bulls to plough my farm in harvest season. By doing this I saved $240 USD which I would have paid to rent oxen. This allowed me to plough my farm on time without having to wait for those who own the oxen to plough their own farm. Even though the business is challenging, I earned a profit of $600 USD.
Last year was a dry season, which hurt my business. But currently I have 2 young bulls and money saved in my bank account. I also have business knowledge and job experience. May God bless Family Hope International. I have made it through a difficult time because of FHI.”
Last year was a dry season, which hurt my business. But currently I have 2 young bulls and money saved in my bank account. I also have business knowledge and job experience. May God bless Family Hope International. I have made it through a difficult time because of FHI.”
HG-0030 Kuftu Fura
“Before joining Family Hope International I had been living in hardship and struggling to feed my children. I was very thankful to start receiving monthly food support. Later I received a loan to start an income generating business and work to be self-reliant. With the loan I bought a new singer sewing machine. I used it to repair clothing and received payment for my service. I also started raising and selling goats. I have earned a profit of $560 USD for my job. Drought has been a challenge in my area in the past and has caused me to lose goats. But now I have my sewing machine, my savings account and the business knowledge I have gained thru training and experience. Because of FHI’s support I can nurture and teach my children. I have passed a very hard time of famine. I am so grateful to this organization and my sponsors for this support. God bless FHI and my donors.”
MK Grads
2023 MESERET KRISTOS GRADUATES
(Click on the text or image below to read the full testimonial)
MK-0022 Aster Eneyew
“Expressing my gratitude to my extended family abroad is beyond words. They have been a constant support system from the very beginning, offering remarkable assistance to both me and my children. In my darkest moments, they have been a beacon of light. I want them to know that my prayers are always with them, and I am eternally thankful for their generosity and kindness.
Joining the IGA program marked a transformative chapter in my life. Prior to that, I was merely surviving, burdened with the responsibility of providing for my family and lacking hope. However, everything took a positive turn when I became a part of this incredible family. The microloan presented a life-altering opportunity, and I utilized it wisely to establish my own small café. This significantly improved the well-being of my family and me. I owe a great deal of gratitude for this positive change.
I want my family to be aware that their unwavering support has brought me invaluable benefits, including savings of $1,000 USD and valuable business skills acquired through IGA's training and work experience. My heartfelt thanks extend to each one of them for their support.”
Joining the IGA program marked a transformative chapter in my life. Prior to that, I was merely surviving, burdened with the responsibility of providing for my family and lacking hope. However, everything took a positive turn when I became a part of this incredible family. The microloan presented a life-altering opportunity, and I utilized it wisely to establish my own small café. This significantly improved the well-being of my family and me. I owe a great deal of gratitude for this positive change.
I want my family to be aware that their unwavering support has brought me invaluable benefits, including savings of $1,000 USD and valuable business skills acquired through IGA's training and work experience. My heartfelt thanks extend to each one of them for their support.”
MK-0035 Fikiret Tenaye
“Today is a joyful day for me as I have graduated and reaped the rewards of my hard work. I am grateful to my family for their support, without which I would not be here to share my story. Before joining the FHI family, I faced many difficulties in providing for my family. But after receiving the monthly support, I was able to meet my family’s basic needs. I was also eager to join the Empowerment Program and get a microloan to start my own business. I began selling butter and other goods to the local community and saved money diligently. Now I can proudly say that I am self-reliant and happy. My eldest son has also graduated and is working with me. On this graduation day, I have a savings of $500 USD and a stock of raw materials that I plan to sell for the Ethiopian New Year. I have also gained valuable business knowledge. And I want to thank my supporting family for being with me throughout the years and I want them to know that I will continue to pray for them and bless them for all that they have done for me and my family.”
MK-0044 Askale
“Before I joined Family Hope International, my life was a mess. I was a single mother with no family to help me, no money to live on, and no skills to find a job. I remember praying to God for help when I had nothing to feed my sons. That was when you came into my life - as an answer to my prayer.
My family abroad taught me how to overcome challenges with determination and hard work. Even though my clothing business is struggling now because I don’t have a permanent place to work, I believe that my strength will help me recover and make things better for me and my family. I also sell fresh vegetables to the community. With your assistance, we have the basic things we need, like food and clothes. My home is more comfortable now, and so is my self-esteem. This is all because of your dedication and the opportunities you gave me.
I have things now that I never thought I would have and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. This includes a savings of $100 USD, and useful business skills from the business training and work experience. None of this would have happened without your support, and I am very grateful for everything you have done for me.”
My family abroad taught me how to overcome challenges with determination and hard work. Even though my clothing business is struggling now because I don’t have a permanent place to work, I believe that my strength will help me recover and make things better for me and my family. I also sell fresh vegetables to the community. With your assistance, we have the basic things we need, like food and clothes. My home is more comfortable now, and so is my self-esteem. This is all because of your dedication and the opportunities you gave me.
I have things now that I never thought I would have and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. This includes a savings of $100 USD, and useful business skills from the business training and work experience. None of this would have happened without your support, and I am very grateful for everything you have done for me.”
MK-0058 Abebech H/Mariyam
“My life was in shambles before I met you. I had no one to support me as a single mother, no income to sustain me, and no qualifications to get a job. I felt hopeless and desperate, and I begged God for a miracle. That was when you entered my life - as a divine blessing. You showed me kindness and compassion, and helped me to rise above my difficulties. You gave me a loan that I used to start a coffee business, and taught me valuable skills to manage it. I faced some challenges along the way, but I learned from my mistakes and improved my performance. My business and my life have changed for the better, thanks to you. Now I have things that I never dreamed of having, and I owe it all to you. I have a comfortable home, a healthy son, and a savings of 300.00 USD. I also have confidence and self-respect, which are priceless. You have done so much for me, and I am deeply grateful for your generosity and dedication.”
MK-0061 Selam Alemu
“Words cannot describe how much I appreciate my extended family living abroad. They have been with me since day one, providing amazing support and assistance to me and my children. They have been a source of light in my darkest moments. I want them to know that I am always praying for them and that I am endlessly thankful for their generosity and kindness. My life changed completely when I joined this program. Before that, I was barely surviving, carrying the burden of feeding my two sons and having no hope. But everything turned around when I became part of your wonderful family. The microloan was a life-changing opportunity for me, and I used it wisely to sell coffee to the community, which improved the situation of me and my family. I owe you a lot for that. I want my family to know that your constant support has given me priceless benefits - a savings of $160 USD & business skills that I learned from the training work experience. My sincere gratitude to each one of you!”
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