What’s in our hands?
A length of string and chord. A balloon. Some glue and a bit of creativity. These basic materials can make a difference in a person’s life and bring light into the live’s of others.
Abru (ዓብሩ) |ˈabro͞o | (Amharic)
A call for all to light it up
Life is not easy for women in Ethiopia – less so for mothers.
Indeed the image of the hardworking African woman, fetching a pail of water or firewood has become a sad cliche. We are desensitized to the toil and sweat that are a daily fact for our nation’s beloved sisters, mothers, and wives.
HIV, Covid, inflation and global economic uncertainties have left Addis Ababa’s vulnerable populations in an even more dire situation.
That’s where Abru comes in. One of our core beliefs (AIMs) is that hard work should ALWAYS pay off.
Thus, we ask ourselves what is in our hands? What is it that our hands can make (with as much creativity as effort)? Abru Illuminance is just one of an infinite number of answer to these questions that vex our society.
A startup of sorts, Abru works with a cohort of single mothers to produce, brand and bring to market, climate-friendly, handcrafted light fixtures and seasonal decorations and ornaments.
Our business model is geared toward accelerated self sufficiency by utilizing strategic partnerships that minimize startup costs and bureaucratic red tape.
No donations. No hidden/administrative fees. Just one solution to poverty.
All it takes is a length of string and chord. A balloon. Some glue and a bit of creativity.
Let’s light it up!
Partners
About Our Founder
My name is Girum Workineh, a senior in high school, who lost his father to a tragic car accident in 2004.
My brother Dagi and I were raised by Elsa, a strong, entrepreneurial single mom along with the unwavering support and constant guidance of our grandmother and family matriarch, aptly named Aberash (አበራሽ)* whom the family affectionately refers to as Wawu.
Abru is a personal homage to the inspirational women who raised me and a dedication to making sure other families not only survive but thrive despite loss or abandonment.
I look forward to attending university in 2021, to further grow my business acumen and network, while building Abru Illuminance into a women-run company employing hundreds. I look forward to launching many other worthwhile ventures in my home country of Ethiopia.
*Aberash is the present feminine tense of Abru and means: she brings light