During Helmy and Shelley's time in Ethiopia, they visited with three of the mothers in the Girls Gotta Run Mothers’ Savings Groups. They learned how the women are taught to save and how through small loans, the mothers are able to start and grow small businesses.
Abebech is 42 and has three children. Her daughter Bethlehem is a Girls Gotta Run Athletic Scholar. Abebech worked in her brother's shop until she had her two younger children and then could not leave them to go to work. For 10 years, their family was reliant on the father's income as a daily labourer. That limited income has been reduced significantly due to the economy and decreasing demand for daily labourers.
Feeding their family had become very difficult. Since starting with the Mothers’ Saving Group, Abebech has been able to take small loans to start an avocado sandwich business. She was never able to save any money before - she didn't even think it was possible. But now, thanks to the Girls Gotta Run Mothers Group, she is able to save to pay back the two loans she has taken from the group's savings and is able to provide adequate food and care for her children.
She told Helmy and Shelley that in the Mothers Group she is learning about the reproductive system, how to parent and how to cope through difficult times. The support the group members provide one another is very helpful. Her children and husband see how hard she is working and they are proud of her and thankful for the difference it has made in their family.
"I feel very proud that I can provide for my family and that I can use my own money to support a friend in need. This gives me confidence," Abebech said.
Her daughter Bethlehem also helps her mom in the business when she is not in school. Bethlehem told us: “I like this business because it has reduced my mom's worry about how she will provide food and pay for school fees." Bethlehem said she thinks her mom is happier now and doesn't worry out loud anymore.
When Shelley asked if their relationship had changed at all since her mother was in the Mothers Group, Bethlehem said "there is a big difference in our relationship because in the past, I had to miss school and take care of my younger brothers so my mom could go and look for work. I have learned a lot because my mom has persisted even through all the challenges she has faced. I have learned that I will be able to succeed in a better way through learning, working and following what I have learned from my mom.”
