A New Start: Habiba’s Story

Habiba Aden Isak, 25 years old, was born, raised and lives in Baidoa with her husband and family. Habiba has three children, 2 boys and a girl. After severe droughts hit Bay region in 2010, Habiba and her children were displaced from Baidoa crossing the Ethiopian border to receive survival for her children. As she did not have any relatives in Dollo Ado-Ethiopia and with limited support from humanitarian agencies, Habiba decided leave Dollo Ado where she was a refugee for two years and return to her home in Baidoa.

Before she left Baidoa, Habiba used to help her mother in a home furniture business which later failed. Habiba returned as she believed the situation in Baidoa was now improving and better than life in the refugee camp. "Life in the camps is tough due to shortage of water and food as well as lack of employment to make income. We used to receive 10kgs of sorghum per month which was not enough to satisfy our family food needs" she said.

Habiba was among the selected caseloads for the returnees’ project implemented by ILO with funding from the Government of Japan. She underwent the entrepreneurship skills training where she gained knowledge on business management and entrepreneurship skills.

"The training has helped me learn skills like how to attract customers, develop a business plan and all aspects of business management" she said. “I feel a light was shed on my inner entrepreneurial skills and I expect that I will be selected for the grants so I can make my dreams come true" she added “However if I do not get the startup grants, I am really satisfied with the knowledge I have received and I believe I can change my dreams into a reality by starting a business using the skills gained.”