3.4 State of project supported IGAs The IGA group of poor mothers (males also included in some groups) that were established with the purpose of enabling poor families to improve the economic situation and eventually support the education of their children has been reviewed by the impact evaluation team. It is necessary to set form the outset that all the economic groups of poor families that are known as either IGAs groups or SelfHelp Groups (SHGs) are existing and are functional. The successful single mother Adbar Tadesse used to be a poor single mother whose husband died many years ago leaving three children behind. She became a member IGA group in Este woreda in Belta CLFZ school area. With the first 1,100.00 Ethiopian Birr She bought four sheep. Through hard work the number of her sheep grew to 12. In fact she has already sold four to support the education clothing and other expenses of her children. All her three children are now in school of which the eldest, a girl is now in grade 8. The PTA leaders and members of Belta Primary School as well other members the IGA group strongly testified that Adbar is among the most successful IGA support recipients in a group of 25 beneficiaries that has increased her income substantially and continued supporting the education of her children without interruption. 3.4.1. Contributed to the improvement of the economic position of the target mothers/families The evaluation team, wherever it visited, has found out from the members and their leadership that they are still active, engaged in business and supporting themselves and their children to go to school. The PTA members, school principals and cluster supervisors have all confirmed that all the IGA groups are operational. However, it was not possible for the team to determine the proportion of women that improved their income as there are no statistical data available recording change in their income level from time to time except the claims by the members that they are able to support themselves and their children. It has though, to be recognized that there was no doubt on the part of the IGA members, PTAs and school principals that the IGA groups have kept on improving their income. 37
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