top of page

Crafting Hope From Heritage

Gradient Ocean

Brian Otieno

Nov 7, 2024

Ethiopia

Categories:

#HeritageArtisan #LocalEconomy #Sustainability #Ethiopia

Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu’s journey with SoleRebels is a tale of resilience, creativity, and community empowerment that has transformed thousands of lives in Ethiopia and inspired global audiences. Growing up in Zenabwork, a small, economically challenged village in Addis Ababa, Alemu witnessed her family and neighbors struggling with poverty and a lack of jobs. Determined to change this, she launched SoleRebels in 2004 with a simple yet powerful vision: to harness Ethiopia’s artisan heritage and channel it into a sustainable, fair-trade footwear business. Her goal was to create jobs and foster a sense of pride in local craftsmanship, and SoleRebels was the answer.


Alemu began by reimagining the traditional Ethiopian footwear, particularly the “selate” and “barabasso,” shoes with soles made from recycled car tires—a symbol of Ethiopian resilience dating back to the country’s fight against colonization. Combining these elements with modern designs and eco-friendly materials, she produced footwear that celebrates Ethiopia’s artisan skills while appealing to a global market. Today, SoleRebels products are sold in over 30 countries, demonstrating the universal appeal of Alemu’s unique, sustainable approach.


SoleRebels isn’t just about shoes; it’s about creating a meaningful impact. Alemu’s initiative employs her community with wages that average 233% higher than the industry standard. Workers at SoleRebels earn four to five times the Ethiopian minimum wage, offering them a decent living and significantly enhancing the standard of living for hundreds of families. Beyond fair wages, SoleRebels emphasizes creativity and self-expression, allowing artisans to bring their unique skills to each handcrafted shoe. Alemu has cultivated a work environment that encourages employees to express creativity through their work, building a supportive, world-class workplace.


The reach of Alemu’s impact is vast. SoleRebels’ products are crafted using locally sourced and sustainable materials, supporting local farmers and suppliers and ensuring that nearly every aspect of production benefits Ethiopia’s economy. Her commitment to fair trade and eco-sensibility has also made SoleRebels the first World Fair Trade Organization-certified footwear brand, setting a precedent in the industry and making a case for ethical production.


Looking ahead, Alemu plans to expand SoleRebels’ reach and product range to share more of Ethiopia’s heritage with the world and inspire other communities to use local talent and resources for global influence. Alemu’s work is a powerful example of how one individual’s vision can uplift a community, preserve cultural heritage, and create sustainable change. Her story inspires others to take pride in their roots, strive for social impact, and redefine success through compassion and innovation.


Inspired by Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu's story, here are ten ways to positively change your community. Each step is practical, easy, and achievable without needing money—just a little creativity and commitment:

1. Celebrate Local Skills - Identify unique skills people in your community have, like sewing, pottery, or carpentry. You can encourage them to share their talents and organize small gatherings where skills are celebrated and learned from each other. This can build pride and bring out hidden talents.

2. Recycle for Good - Start a project that repurposes old items, like turning worn-out tires into stools or using plastic bottles for planting. You can beautify the community by reusing what’s around and keeping waste down. Alemu did this with her shoes, and it’s a powerful way to inspire change.

3. Create Community Pride—Use storytelling to highlight inspiring people and local heroes. If possible, share their stories through small community meet-ups or social media. Recognizing these stories can boost community pride and motivate others to get involved.

4. Organize Skill-Swap Days—Set up a day when people can come together to teach and learn different skills, like cooking traditional dishes, repairing bicycles, or crafting. People can trade skills without money and gain new abilities that can help them in their daily lives.

5. Promote Local Products - Encourage friends and family to support locally made items instead of buying from outside. Just like Alemu’s shoes share Ethiopian culture with the world, you can promote crafts, foods, or services from local talent, which helps build the local economy.

6. Start a Clean-Up Initiative - Gather community members to clean streets, parks, or rivers. Even a small group can make a big difference by organizing regular clean-up days. This is free, fosters teamwork, and makes everyone feel responsible for a cleaner environment.

7. Hold Dream Sessions - Set up informal gatherings where community members share their dreams and ideas. Alemu started with a vision; by having a safe space for people to share their ambitions, you can inspire one another, find common goals, and maybe spark the next big community project.

8. Encourage Eco-Friendly Habits - Share tips on reducing waste, like using reusable bags, composting, or starting a community garden with what’s already available. Alemu’s eco-sensible approach can inspire you to take simple steps that are both sustainable and empowering.

9. Highlight Local Art and Culture - Arrange a mini “exhibit” day where people display crafts, paintings, or music. It doesn’t need to be formal—just a space where everyone can appreciate the local culture. By celebrating these creations, you give artists recognition and boost their confidence.

10. Build Networks of Support - Create a group that supports each other in achieving small goals, like job skills or personal projects. Alemu’s success is a testament to how a united community can overcome challenges. By forming a network, you foster a spirit of support and growth that benefits everyone.


These steps may seem small, but like Alemu’s journey, they can grow to create lasting change. By inspiring pride, collaboration, and eco-friendly habits, you can bring a positive, transformative impact to your community without needing much more than shared energy and purpose.


Photo Credit: SoleRebels

Source:

Source:

Where_in_the_world_is_Syria_.png

Catalog #:

1124.113.02.110724

bottom of page