In fact, Ololu Gobie, Senbete Lencho primary School PTA Chair strongly affirmed the opinions of his colleagues saying “We have witnessed the positive changes in the income and the life of the mothers in IGA groups”. The views of Ahmed Gemeda, Principal, Biten Kubi primary school stated below are more expressive in terms of the economic and other improvements of the women in IGA groups: For those of us who know their past story, the women in IGA today look very different in terms of economic status. They work on their land productively and send all their children to school. They are better dressed, their houses are better. They no more look support from others. Those who are not engaged in IGA today envy them. They ask us to organize them into IGA groups. The following simple but highly expressive words of Medina Salia, Member of Kindesitu, IGA group in Jarti Bakule, Siraro are conclusive proofs of how much the IGA groups have helped in improving the economic conditions of poor mothers engaged in business through the Kinderpostzegels supported projects. “Our children used to go to school empty stomach before we were engaged in IGAs, Now, thanks tour saving and credit groups, we do business and make profit, Our children eat, they are clothed and, they even wash their hands with soap” The responses the evaluation team gathered from SNNPR woredas where LIA-E implemented IGA programs depicted similar stories of how the women IGA groups succeeded in enhancing the economic status of their members through savings and involvement in business activities. Workinesh Assefa Secretary of Robot Women IGA Group in Mehal Bobicha, Lemo woreda explained how much they improved their economic status. We have a group with total membership of 20 poor women. “We work in groups of 4-5. We sell edible oil, wheat, maize, beans and sheep. All of us are making money. All members of our IGA group have access to credit and continuously improve their income. We buy milk for our children. We feed them better compared to pre-ADAA support period. We all send our children to school”. Among the Successful IGA members, it is worth noting where poor families that joined IGA groups from among the marginalized Fuga community members stand. LIA-E organized poor Fuga community members together with other community members. In Danmera where there are many Fuga community members, two IGA groups were organized, one for women with 15 members and another for men with 15 members. In both groups there are Fugas. The evaluation team was able to verify that the Fuga members of the two groups actively involved in saving and business activities such as petty trade. 39
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