Ethiopian DREAMS..!

DREAMS: business development for Ethiopian Youth

Struggle to earn an income in Ethiopia
Many people in Ethiopia struggle to earn an income and take care of themselves and their families. Jobs are increasingly scarce, and high population growth, climate change, and poor agricultural and financial services exacerbate the problem, especially for rural youth. Poor employment prospects damage their outlook on life; many of them suffer from a lack of ambition and live unfulfilled lives.

Empowering youth through DREAMS
To improve the economic resilience, livelihoods and food security of the young people and their families in Ethiopia, MissionInvest’s partner Dorcas is implementing the DREAMS program. Developing Resilient Entrepreneurship and Marketing Systems (DREAMS) is a program to improve economic resilience and livelihoods by developing businesses that create employment opportunities. This tried and tested concept has been successfully deployed in multiple countries, including Kenya, Mozambique and Ukraine. DREAMS Ethiopia supports 400 persons in Hawassa, with special attention to youth. This will also benefit their families and with that the livelihoods of 2,400 people (household consist of 6 people on average) will be improved. DREAMS will equip youth with much needed life skills and help them become self-employed. That empowers them to be active family and community members, which means they are less likely to migrate to western countries.

About local partner Dorcas
Inspired by the Bible, Dorcas was founded by Dutch pioneer Dirk-Jan Groot in 1980 to support people persecuted for their religious beliefs under communist regimes in Eastern Europe. Building on their Christian identity, they expanded their activities to Africa and the Middle East, and their focus shifted towards humanitarian assistance and development. Dorcas demonstrates God’s love to the marginalized and acts as Jesus’ hands and feet for those in need.

‘Together we work for those in need. Together we can make DREAMS come true. We invest in realizing sustainable change in the lives of people experiencing poverty, exclusion or a crisis by creating opportunities for them to use their God-given potential and flourish. This is how we follow Jesus Christ’  –  Dorcas management

The DREAMS approach
An important aspect of the DREAMS approach is working together with representatives of the local community and government to inform youth about skills training, starting their own business, risks associated with migration, and the importance of helping their communities flourish. Project participants first receive training in life, business, and vocational skills. Next, they join community business groups that are based on existing connections between youth and their business ideas. These groups work on a business plan (fields include business like pottery, hospitality, photo & video, farming or beekeeping), which makes them eligible for low-interest loans from the government or financial service providers. Further guidance in doing business is provided to get off to a flying start.

Achievements and Impact
DREAMS Ethiopia started in 2022. In just two years, we have achieved the following sustainable results:

• Increased income for 200 youths through self-employment or a job
• Increased life, vocational and business skills for 200 youth
• Increased livelihood for 1200 people
• 112 new business facilitated in the community

One of these new businesses is the photo and video company that Fikire (male, 29yrs) and Netsanet (female, 21yrs) started with four other young people after they received training and micro-credit through DREAMS Ethiopia. Read their full story: Ethiopian youth start photo and video company together!

‘We followed the vocational training course and in six months we learned all about photography and making videos. The loan allowed us to buy necessary equipment and set up this premises as a photo and video shop.’ – Fikire and Netsanet

Project costs
We need $280,000 to cover the budget for 2024 and 2025. This funding will be used to:

• Train an additional 200 youths in life, vocational and business skills, and improve their income through self-employment
• Provide access to finance for 288 youths with a business plan, and facilitate those with additional business opportunities in the community
• Keep the training curricula up-to-date so these keep meeting the local demand.

We believe in fostering dreams that transcend barriers and lead to a brighter future for Ethiopian youth. Do you wish to support young people like Netsanet and Fikire in turning their aspirations into achievements? Help us provide the resources for this transformative journey, ensuring that no dream of our participants is hindered by financial constraints.