Livelihood Enhancement, the central and most crucial initiative within MJE’s program framework, strives to create enduring positive changes in the well-being of the designated communities. This program supports caregivers of vulnerable and at-risk children, returning irregular migrants, aspiring migrants, unemployed young individuals, and socio-economically disadvantaged women. The primary activities implemented in this program segment during the review period consist of trainings on Business Development Services (BDS), life skills, entrepreneurship development, mentorship, experience and knowledge sharing, and the provision of initial capital in cash and kind to support start-ups. In line with this, the following activities have been carried out.

In 2023, a total of 249 individuals were benefitted, consisting of 28 street children above the age of 14 and 221 caregivers. They received training in parenting skills, life skills, and Business Development Services (BDS), along with startup capital, enabling them to start their own small-scale businesses. Mary Joy Ethiopia also assisted in opening bank accounts at the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia and Addis International Bank, allowing individuals to start saving to expand and diversify their businesses. Establishing and empowering selfsupporting groups like Village Saving and Loan Associations (VSALAs), Offering comprehensive business development training encompassing financial literacy and entrepreneurship skills, Supporting youth groups and implementing horticulture irrigation projects in Hosana, Providing start-up capital and facilitating asset transfers for business ownership, as well as creating market linkages.