Empowering Ethiopia’s Youth: Eshetu’s Journey from Traditional Skills to Innovation
Ethiopia is home to a large and vibrant youth population, but unemployment remains one of the country’s greatest challenges. Many Ethiopian youths fear joblessness, despite their ongoing struggle for opportunities.
Yet, within these challenges, some young people are finding innovative ways to create livelihoods and build their futures. By engaging in technical skills and participating in training programs offered by various organizations, such as Kelem Ethiopia, many youths are becoming empowered and envisioning brighter tomorrows. One such inspiring story is that of Eshetu Mengesha, a 28-year-old visionary youth from Kombolcha town. Originally from Woldiya, Eshetu moved to Kombolcha two years ago, bringing with him a local knowledge and a desire to create change for his future. He began working on electrical installations for cultural clay pots, locally known as Mitad (ምጣድ) and stoves, relying on his traditional skills and experience. However, like many ambitious young people, Eshetu dreamed of scaling up his expertise and improving his income.
“The training boosted my creativity and built my confidence.”
Determined to refine his skills and expand his opportunities, Eshetu joined Kelem Ethiopia’s youth skill training program (JOY). This program offered a short term training opportunity with a blend of theoretical and practical training, empowering him to take his craft to new heights.
“The training was more than I expected,” Eshetu shared his first impression. “It enriched my traditional knowledge, equipped me with new skills, and boosted my creativity. Now, I work with confidence and a solid foundation of knowledge—not just traditional experience.”
Eshetu’s transformation didn’t go unnoticed. Many young people in his community, inspired by his progress, began asking for his guidance. While he has assisted some, he believes a more sustainable approach is needed. He suggested that Kelem Ethiopia could help by connecting skilled youths with companies for better exposure and practical application of their training.
From Tradition to Innovation and Income increment
Before joining the program, Eshetu’s work was limited to basic electrical installations. Today, his skillset has expanded significantly. The training opened his eyes to the larger electrical system, enabling him to approach new challenges with creativity and expertise.
Now, Eshetu offers maintenance services for various electrical devices, including boilers, laundry machines, receivers, and electric stoves. “Previously, I wouldn’t have dared to fix these types of equipment, but now I understand how they work and can easily identify and solve problems,” he explained. As a result, his income has increased significantly, and his confidence has risen.
Before joining the program, Eshetu’s work was limited to basic electrical installations. Today, his skillset has expanded significantly. The training opened his eyes to the larger electrical system, enabling him to approach new challenges with creativity and expertise.
Now, Eshetu offers maintenance services for various electrical devices, including boilers, laundry machines, receivers, and electric stoves. “Previously, I wouldn’t have dared to fix these types of equipment, but now I understand how they work and can easily identify and solve problems,” he explained. As a result, his income has increased significantly, and his confidence has risen.
Ambitions for the Future
Eshetu’s journey is far from over. His ambitions continue to grow as he sets his sights on new fields, such as dynamo wrapping (ዲናሞ መጠቅለል) and innovative adaptor-making. He dreams of contributing even more to his community and creating opportunities for others.
Eshetu also emphasized the importance of holistic support for young people. While skill empowerment is crucial, he believes it should be accompanied by access to financial resources and dedicated workspaces. He has seen how some youths, without proper financial and social support, turn to substance abuse, jeopardizing their potential.
The Ripple Effect of Empowerment
Thanks to Kelem Ethiopia’s training program, Eshetu’s life has transformed. His story reflects the broader impact of empowering young people with skills, creativity, and confidence. Beyond personal success, Eshetu is now a source of inspiration for his peers, proving that with the right opportunities, Ethiopia’s youth can overcome challenges and build sustainable job futures.
As Eshetu continues to innovate and inspire, his journey reminds us that investing in youth is not only transformative for individuals but also vital for the nation’s growth and development.
Kelem Ethiopia is committed to Reducing Youth Unemployment
Kelem Ethiopia is tirelessly working to make a meaningful impact in reducing unemployment and illegal migration in Kombolcha town. Through its innovative RAPIM project, the organization aims to equip young people with practical knowledge and skills that empower them to create their own employment opportunities.
The program offers training in five fields, including garment production, plumbing and sanitary installation, electrical installation, gypsum work, and tiles work.
“We have successfully trained over 843 youths who are exposed to illegal migration and unemployed youths, of whom 10 percent are females,“says Mulumebet Demeke, coordinator at the youth skill training center at Kelem Ethiopia. Among the trainees, 44% are engaged in either employment or grouped themselves in enterprises and started their own business, Mulumebet added.
This initiative, with the generous financial support of #Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ),#TERRA TECH Förderprojekte e.V., #Aktion Deutschland Hilft goes beyond providing technical skills—it also works to transform mindsets, inspiring youths to take ownership of their futures and create sustainable livelihoods.
