Meet Selam—a vibrant and determined woman who spent a decade polishing her skills as a professional cleaner in Qatar. During her time there, she worked tirelessly across various business and residential establishments, earning a wealth of experience and an impeccable work ethic. Selam returned to Ethiopia, ready to channel her expertise into building a meaningful life back home.

Upon her return, Selam was met with a harsh reality: her hard-earned savings weren’t enough to make any significant investment to start a small business, and the local domestic job market struggled to match her with the right opportunities. Fluent in French and Arabic, with intermediate English skills, Selam was accustomed to a pay range that far exceeded what local employers were offering. This mismatch left her searching for a way to put her skills and experience to meaningful use.

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After a year and a half of navigating the challenges of the job market—and even losing 3,000 ETB to agencies making false promises—Selam finally found her way to Etalem.

While scrolling through Facebook, Selam stumbled upon a GoodayOn advertisement recruiting for Etalem: trained, seasoned, and disciplined domestic helps—just like her. Drawn in by our vibrant hot pink branding and hopeful for a fresh start, she immediately called the GoodayOn call center to apply.

From the moment she expressed interest, the GoodayOn team recognized her potential. The onboarding process began immediately, starting with a criminal background check and the submission of a certificate of good conduct to ensure her safety and that of future clients. Selam thengot her National ID, went through an interview, underwent a skills assessment, and attended professional cleaning upskilling sessions to fine-tune her skills.

Just six weeks after joining the Etalem service provider pool, Selam landed her first placement at a wellness center in Addis Ababa, working a half-day shift. Astonishingly, her earnings now rival those of an intermediate-level corporate white-collar worker in Addis Ababa. This income enables her to comfortably manage her household expenses while steadily saving for the future.

Two months into her role, Selam’s eyes light up when she talks about the welcoming environment, the flexible working hours, and the respect she receives from her team. For the first time since returning to Ethiopia, she feels valued and fulfilled. Just last week, Selam secured her second placement and is already eagerly looking for additional opportunities.

Beyond her professional achievements, Selam has become one of Etalem’s most passionate ambassadors. She enthusiastically shares her experience with everyone she meets, spreading the word about the transformative power of Etalem.

This acknowledgment from our Etalems, paired with their visible financial growth, restored dignity, and newfound aspirations for growth, represents the very shift we aim to foster in Ethiopia’s domestic market through Etalem.