تمكين
FROM RECEIVERS TO GIVERS
Empowerment Through Sustainable Transformation
Transforming Ethiopian Muslim Youth
تمكين
FROM RECEIVERS TO GIVERS
Empowerment Through Sustainable Transformation
Transforming Ethiopian Muslim Youth
Thousands of young Muslim adults in Ethiopia are trapped in cycles of poverty with limited pathways forward. Despite their determination and willingness to work, the unemployment rate among youth remains persistently high.
Without marketable skills, access to capital, or meaningful opportunities, many find themselves dependent on charity—trapped in a cycle that seems impossible to break.
They want to work. They want to contribute. They want to be givers rather than receivers. But they need the right support to make that transformation possible.
"The upper hand is better than the lower hand. The upper hand is the one that gives, and the lower hand is the one that receives."
— Prophet Muhammad ﷺGiving food feeds someone for a day, but doesn't address the root cause of hunger or build lasting capability.
Cash donations disappear quickly without building sustainable income sources or developing skills.
Without skills or capital, recipients return seeking help again and again—the cycle never breaks.
Our approach is inspired by a powerful example from Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. When a poor man came seeking food, the Prophet gave him an axe and rope instead, saying:
"Go, cut wood and sell it, and never ask from people again."
This wisdom—teaching self-reliance over dependency—forms the foundation of everything we do.
For those who need to develop marketable skills first
For entrepreneurs ready to launch their enterprises
Trust is everything in charitable giving. We've built rigorous systems to ensure every Birr is used wisely and fairly.
Every applicant evaluated based on merit and potential, not relationships
Standardized criteria applied consistently across all applications
Training costs compared against market rates to ensure fair pricing
Expected return calculated before approval to ensure effectiveness
Blind review process prevents bias and ensures fairness
Every Birr tracked with receipts and verification
Program funds (100% to beneficiaries) vs Operating funds tracked separately
Every Birr tracked and documented with receipts and verification
Payments released in stages as milestones are achieved
Our goal: Transition to a full Zakat fund with Shariah Advisory Board oversight, ensuring compliance with Islamic principles.
Start with Sadaqah (voluntary charity). Target: Serve 4-10 beneficiaries. Establish systems and track outcomes rigorously.
Transition to Zakat fund with Shariah certification. Target: Scale to 20-50 beneficiaries. Expand program reach across Addis Ababa.
Develop income-generating assets. Launch digital products and partnerships. Achieve operational self-sustainability.
مَّثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَٰلَهُمْ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ كَمَثَلِ حَبَّةٍ أَنۢبَتَتْ سَبْعَ سَنَابِلَ فِى كُلِّ سُنۢبُلَةٍ مِّا۟ئَةُ حَبَّةٍۭ
"The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains."
— Surah Al-Baqarah 2:261
Every young person deserves the opportunity to build a dignified, self-sufficient life.
Support a youth's transformation journey with training or business support
Know an unemployed youth?
Connect them to our program
Training providers, employers,
and mentors welcome
Share our mission
with your network
Together, we transform receivers into givers—one empowered youth at a time.