Name of the project initiator: Abera Chemerie

Name of project: Video Store

Scope of project: Service, Entertainment

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

The Bold Idea:
Open a video store.

Issue that the project addresses:
Young people in my community look for ways to entertain themselves in their spare time.  Renting films and watching different kinds of films that are funny, romantic, and adventurous is one activity that is most preferred by young people.  The video store will do its best to satisfy this need by making available all kinds of films to the large number of youth in the community.

Moment of inspiration: what experiences led to the desire to start your own/this organization?
Young people in my community have been seen to be involved in delinquent activities.  The community considers them a nuisance and has given up hope for the youth’s futures.  I believe that the reason behind the delinquent behavior of young people is the lack of extra-curricular activities for them to engage in.  One solution to this could be making available films that are educational and entertaining to the youth.

Think Big: What role has Reach Up! Played in helping you to dream big and take on this project?
Taking the ReachUp! Training has been an eye-opener for me.  Even though I had been thinking of opening this business before, this training gave me the drive to actually do it.  I learned that in order to be successful, I need to take risks.

New and Untested: What’s innovative about your/the project?
Unlike most small scale video stores in the community, this store will rent films with the best quality picture and sound.

Seeing possibilities: What are the most important qualities to be a successful professional and engaged citizen in your country?
Be an innovator. Try to incorporate originality in what you do.

What advice do you have for others wishing to embark on a similar venture?
Make sure you have all the help you need in your area of interest.