TESFA Means Hope

Hope and Opportunity

The TESFA Program, which is implemented by CARE Ethiopia and evaluated by ICRW, reaches out to married, divorced or widowed girls between the ages of 14 and 19. Widespread in many developing countries, child brides number more than 60 million worldwide. Outside Debre Tabor, November 2010

Friends

Young married girls often are pulled out of school to get married, depriving them of an education and meaningful work. Many also face health risks associated with early sexual activity and childbearing. Program participants will learn important life skills and, as leaders of girls groups in their communities, share what they learn with others. Outside Debre Tabor, November 2010

Hilltop Gathering

Community volunteers and leaders of girls groups meet in a grove of trees near Debre Tabor, Ethiopia. This area of Ethiopia, known as the Amhara region, has one of the highest rates of child marriage in the world. Outside Debre Tabor, November 2010

Strengthening Community

The volunteers -meet monthly to learn about topics related to preventing child marriage and keeping girls healthy. They then pass on the lessons they learn to others in the community. Outside Debre Tabor, November 2010

Encouraging Words

A representative from CARE Ethiopia, ICRW's partner on the project, talks with the young brides, many of them mothers. He encourages them to participate fully, express their opinions and share what they learn with others in their community. Outside Debre Tabor, November 2010

Tiny Hands

A baby's hand peeks out from a mother's waist as she begins to breast feed. Outside Debre Tabor, November 2010

Group Leaders

These young women were selected to be leaders in their groups. Every other week they share lessons on various topics such as financial management, communication skills, or sexual and reproductive health topics with group members.

Hidden

Babies are often carried on their mothers back. Outside Debre Tabor, November 2010

Community Leaders

As part of the program, community volunteers were elected by their peers to participate in the program. One of the most successful aspects of the program is how it engages a diverse group of people, including women, men, religious leaders, community leaders and teachers. Each group works with project staff and a local health worker. Outside Debre Tabor, November 2010

Too Young to Wed

These young women were selected to be leaders in their groups. Every other week they share lessons on various topics such as financial management, communication skills, or sexual and reproductive health topics with group members. Outside Debre Tabor, November 2010