“.---- Learn how to handle money and plan to continue my Education----.“

“My name is Meseret Tilahun, 26 years old and interrupted my education from 8^th grade. I had little knowledge about condom. Also, I didn’t have the skill to wear. I didn’t know about Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) too. When I got sick of STIs, I believed that I urinated on a hot object and did not seek any medication. I had never had an HIV testing on my own initiative. However, I remember that I got tested when I was 8 months pregnant. I have never had a test then after until I joined the USAID TransACTION program implemented by ORDA.

I used to refuse when customers ask me to get them wear condom. I used to insist them to do it by their own.  I had a boy friend who used to pay house rent for me and have never used condom with him. I used to earn up to 200 birr a day. However, all the money was used up and I had nothing the next day. Because, I had no knowledge about financial issues. I used to spend all the money I earned for clothing and any other item whichever I wished to have. 

Moreover, I was recruited for USAID TransACTION program implemented by ORDA, got trained and started facilitating peer education. I have got tested 3 times for HIV and 2 times for STI. Had the TransACTION program not been initiated,  I would have remained a sex worker.

Apart from this, I have learnt the value of every cent through saving. I used to consider the money earned through commercial sex as if lost and found and spent it carelessly. I am now properly handling the money I earn and I have a plan to continue my education through distance education.

“----Started my own Business----.”

“My name is Enanye Asfaw, 22 years old and completed 10th grade. I had been in commercial sex work /CSW/ for three years. Before I started participating in USAID TransACTION program implemented by ORDA, I was not using condom with my regular customers who come frequently from the neighborhood or elsewhere. I had never accepted invitations to get tested for HIV. I thought syphilis and other STIs were prevalent during the ages of our fathers and eliminated then after. It seemed to me that STIs were caused by getting exposed to direct sunlight. I used to drink at least 5 bottles of beer at a time. I didn’t know where a bank is located in the town. When I earn an amount from a customer, I would spend the money to dress like a peer I saw around.

Since Oct. 6 (2012 G.C.) I have joined the TransACTION program. I now know very well about saving, STI and HIV. I get tested every month for STI and every three months for HIV. Now, I am engaged in group income generating activity with my peers. I have also started my own business. I am determined to return back to CSW’s life again even if I face whatever severe problem in life because of the support I got from the USAID TransACTION program implemented by ORDA”