Roman Mamo, a resilient woman from Sekota City, Kebele 02, has journeyed through immense hardship to achieve extraordinary transformation. Her life is a testament to the power of perseverance, opportunity, and a supportive community.

At 15, Roman left her hometown for Addis Ababa, driven by dreams of a brighter future. However, life in the capital was harsh—working long hours as a housemaid and enduring unimaginable challenges. Her struggles deepened when she contracted HIV/AIDS and battled severe anemia, leading her to a cycle of instability between Addis Ababa and her village.

Amid the hardships, Roman clung to a dream: learning to sew as a pathway to a better life.

Yet poverty forced her to sacrifice everything just to survive. Her turning point came when Life Center stepped in as a beacon of hope. Through their microloan program and the unwavering support of Abeba, a dedicated staff member who treated her like family, Roman’s life began to change.

With Life Center’s support, Roman mastered sewing skills, launched her own business, and achieved the remarkable milestone of owning her home. Independence and self-reliance brought her dignity and purpose. Now, her dreams extend beyond herself—she aspires to expand her business, create jobs, and uplift her community. To achieve these goals, she humbly seeks additional support to bring her vision to life.

To Life Center, Roman expresses heartfelt gratitude: “You were my light in the darkest moments, guiding me toward a future I never thought possible.” She hopes her journey inspires others, proving that when communities unite, lives can be transformed, and hope restored.