From Addiction to Action: Kedir Ali’s Journey to a New Beginning

Just a year ago, Kedir Ali spent most days wandering from one local coffeehouse to another, chewing khat, playing games, and struggling with addiction. Today, he is a young man building a future through agriculture.

Kedir Ali with his thriving Potato Farm, 018, Gedera Kebele, Tehuledere Woreda, April 21, 2026

Kedir is a participant in the MaYEA Program, implemented by ORDA Ethiopia in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation in the Akesta Cluster. Economic hardship forced him to leave school in Grade 8, and he drifted into unhealthy habits. "I spent whatever money I earned on addictive activities," Kedir says. "I regret not listening to my parents."

His journey toward a better life began after years of disappointment for his family. After joining the MaYEA Program in 2025, Kedir received training in the horticulture component and returned home with a new idea. He asked his parents to let him use a family-owned plot of land to grow potatoes, irrigated by nearby Ardibbo Lake

Kedir Ali’s thriving Potato Farm, 018, Gedera Kebele, Tehuledere Woreda, April 21, 2026

"We used to grow crops here for a living," his mother recalls. "When he came back from the training and asked to use the land, we agreed and decided to give him a chance."

Kedir is the first loan receiver among the Gedera kebele participants facilitated by the MaYEA program through Buna Bank to access 85,776 ETB. He bought 3 goats and invested the rest in a potato farm.

When the North and Northwest Subnational Hub Senior Management Team visited the Akesta Cluster in Tehuledere woreda in April 2026, the potato crop was still growing.

"They will be ready in two months," his mother said quietly. "Then we will see if Kedir's effort and determination are rewarded."

The answer came at harvest.

His mother's hope and Kedir's determination have paid off. By July 16, 2026, alone, he was able to harvest 68 quintals of potatoes and earned a total of ETB 102,000. “With only the potato sale, I am ready to repay the loan.” Says Kedir. My 3 goats are also ready for the market, which will bring me more profit.

Kedir's mother, Fatuma Said Yusuf, said worms attacked the crop and brought down the quality. But even with that setback, she says the harvest was still worth it.

Encouraged by what he has seen, Kedir is already looking ahead. He plans to use his second-round loan to fatten shoats over the winter, a practical switch since the cold season is not suitable for vegetable growing.

His father, Ali, has watched the change in his son closely, not just in the money coming in, but in the person, Kedir is becoming.

"Kedir's older brother left for the Arab countries some years ago and is still struggling to find work," Ali says quietly. "That broke my heart. But what Kedir has done through the MaYEA Program has helped heal it."

(Left)Kedir Ali and his mother collect potatoes, 018, Gedera Kebele, Tehuledere Woreda, July 16, 2026

Today, Kedir's story is no longer one of addiction and missed opportunities. It is a story of second chances, determination, and how the right support can help young people improve their lives by building productive, sustainable livelihoods.