3.4.2. The role of revenues from IGA on mothers/ families to maintain their children in school In the above section, we have discussed how the IGA groups contributed to the economic situation of poor families especially poor mothers. In most of the responses the evaluation team noted that responding IGA members and others mentioning on the economic benefits also indicated that the improvement in the economic status was reflected in the ability of these families to send their children to school. This further elaborated in this section since the governing interest of Kinderpsotzegels in supporting the idea engagement of poor mothers in IGA was to eventually ensure that children are going to school. The findings of the evaluation team on the contribution of the IGA groups towards improving the economic conditions of the members also led to providing evidences that the income gained from the IGA groups were directed towards supporting and sustaining the education of these poor families. This was verified by the mothers, the children, the school principals, teachers and PTA members as presented below. Among those who verified that revenues from IGAs have supported the education of child are the Head of Este WEO Haileyesus Solomon and education expert Kassa Molla. Kassa who said that he works closely with the schools says “ IGAs have resulted in increasing child participation and created regular attention. Poor parents that involved in IGA have been able to send their children to school with school supplies without discriminating boys and girls. Many IGA members have supported more than one child. Children of IGA group members are known for regular attendance according to reports from schools.” According to Meselech Gebere, Principal, Mehal Bobicho Primary, Lemo Woreda) Children of IGA group members are never absent from school. They don’t drop out of school. Meselch says “The mothers have good contact with the school. The IGA members are good parent mobilizers. They go around and advise other parents. They are good advocates of girls’ education and controlling drop outs.” The following words of a poor mother who is an IGA group member in Este are powerful evidences on whether revenue from IGA business is invested on the education of children, particularly girls. I was poor mother doing daily odd jobs for very little money. I heard about Wabe and joined the poorest of the poor saving group. All the 25 of us are still saving and working making profits. The children of all our members are in school. We are supporting and educating them on our own from savings. Some have reached grade 10. My daughter (Deribe) is one of those in grade 10. My other daughter is grade 8. 41
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