Nirmala’s struggles helped to pave the way for her Son
Nirmala was forced into marriage at 14 years of age. Her husband who was 19-year old was a tea seller in Lajpat Rai Market.
Soon Nirmala gave birth to her son and life got more difficult. During this period, she took up the job of a Maid. She started washing dishes every morning and evening. She was able to make a decent living of Rs.5000 (70 USD/ 57 £) a month. With the help of this money, she was able to provide her only son with basic school education.
Nirmala associated herself with Asha in the year 2001 when she joined the Mahila Mandal (Women’s Association). Through Asha’s financial program, Nirmala took a loan of Rs.60,000 to further her son’s education. Nirmala and her husband paid back the loan amount with installments in due time.
With the course certificate in hand, her son was able to land a a lucrative job in a College Administrative department which paid him a monthly salary of Rs.20,000 (282 USD/ 228 £). Currently, Nirmala and her husband run a small snack shop outside their home to keep themselves occupied.
It has been more than 2 years since Nirmala has washed a utensil for anyone other than her family members. ‘I am grateful to Asha for helping me at such a critical time. My son has a respectable job and is feeding us now. It would never have been possible if we had not received the loan.’ says a happy Nirmala.
Soon Nirmala gave birth to her son and life got more difficult. During this period, she took up the job of a Maid. She started washing dishes every morning and evening. She was able to make a decent living of Rs.5000 (70 USD/ 57 £) a month. With the help of this money, she was able to provide her only son with basic school education.
Nirmala associated herself with Asha in the year 2001 when she joined the Mahila Mandal (Women’s Association). Through Asha’s financial program, Nirmala took a loan of Rs.60,000 to further her son’s education. Nirmala and her husband paid back the loan amount with installments in due time.
With the course certificate in hand, her son was able to land a a lucrative job in a College Administrative department which paid him a monthly salary of Rs.20,000 (282 USD/ 228 £). Currently, Nirmala and her husband run a small snack shop outside their home to keep themselves occupied.
It has been more than 2 years since Nirmala has washed a utensil for anyone other than her family members. ‘I am grateful to Asha for helping me at such a critical time. My son has a respectable job and is feeding us now. It would never have been possible if we had not received the loan.’ says a happy Nirmala.
An empowered woman HELPS To empower other women
Maya was a wife and mother of 5 kids when she decided to take matters into her hand and open a small grocery shop in Asha’s Kalkaji slum community. Maya was married off at the young age of 17. Soon she gave birth to 2 sons, followed by 3 daughters. Her husband made a decent living working in a sack company. He earned 1000 Rs a month (14 USD/ 11 £).
“I was associated with the Mahila Mandal (Women’s Association) right from the beginning, so the Asha values were ingrained in me. I never understood the purpose of sitting around and gossiping during my spare time as many women in my community did, the Asha value of making one’s dignity highly empowered me to start my own business,” recalls Maya.
With the availability of Asha’s Financial Programme, Maya took a loan of Rs.40,000. (560 USD and 448 £). “My husband helped to set the shop location. I would never have been able to achieve the dream of being a businesswoman without the support of my husband” says an emotional Maya. This loan helped Maya buy various groceries sold in a typical Indian ration shop. In due time Maya and her husband repaid the loan. Her business turned profitable and Maya was able to support her family.
Today, Maya is a beacon of hope and an icon to many housewives in her slum community. She is still attached to Asha and helps guide and empower housewives such as herself.
“I was associated with the Mahila Mandal (Women’s Association) right from the beginning, so the Asha values were ingrained in me. I never understood the purpose of sitting around and gossiping during my spare time as many women in my community did, the Asha value of making one’s dignity highly empowered me to start my own business,” recalls Maya.
With the availability of Asha’s Financial Programme, Maya took a loan of Rs.40,000. (560 USD and 448 £). “My husband helped to set the shop location. I would never have been able to achieve the dream of being a businesswoman without the support of my husband” says an emotional Maya. This loan helped Maya buy various groceries sold in a typical Indian ration shop. In due time Maya and her husband repaid the loan. Her business turned profitable and Maya was able to support her family.
Today, Maya is a beacon of hope and an icon to many housewives in her slum community. She is still attached to Asha and helps guide and empower housewives such as herself.
SHAHJAHAN CREATED HER OWN PATH to SUccess
60 year old Shahjahan hails from a small village in Uttar Pradesh. She was born to a very poor family and her father married her off when she was just 15 years old. After marriage she shifted to her husband’ s little shanty in the Mayapuri slum community. Shahjahan’s husband was a factory worker and earned INR 150 ($2/ £2) per month.
In 1998, a young lady in crisp cotton sari knocked the broken door of Shahjahan's shanty and introduced herself as Thressi. Thressi told Shahjahan about Asha and encouraged her to join the women group. Shahjahan was reluctant at first but later she decided to give it a try and came to attend a weekly meeting. From that day till date Shahjahan has not missed a single meeting of the women’s group.
Shahjahan came to know about Asha’s Financial Inclusion program and convinced her husband to start a small grocery shop. Shahjahan got a loan of INR 5000 (£55/ $70). After repaying this loan, she took another loan of INR 10,000 ($140/ £110) and later a loan of INR 20,000 (£220/ $280). The family’s income doubled and the needs of the family were met adequately.
At present, Shahjahan runs the grocery store with the help of her son. Today, Shahjahan advises all young women to become educated and independent so they can face any harsh realities of life.
In 1998, a young lady in crisp cotton sari knocked the broken door of Shahjahan's shanty and introduced herself as Thressi. Thressi told Shahjahan about Asha and encouraged her to join the women group. Shahjahan was reluctant at first but later she decided to give it a try and came to attend a weekly meeting. From that day till date Shahjahan has not missed a single meeting of the women’s group.
Shahjahan came to know about Asha’s Financial Inclusion program and convinced her husband to start a small grocery shop. Shahjahan got a loan of INR 5000 (£55/ $70). After repaying this loan, she took another loan of INR 10,000 ($140/ £110) and later a loan of INR 20,000 (£220/ $280). The family’s income doubled and the needs of the family were met adequately.
At present, Shahjahan runs the grocery store with the help of her son. Today, Shahjahan advises all young women to become educated and independent so they can face any harsh realities of life.
Moving forward In life with a purpose
Vivekanand is a 19-year-old who resides in the Anna Nagar slum community. When he was 13-year-old, his house got on fire with his Mother inside. Unfortunately, his mother passed away as she suffered too many burns.
Failing to cope with the situation, Vivek’s father started drinking alcohol and stopped working. All the responsibilities fell on Vivek’s brother. It was not long when Vivek’s elder brother ran away and young Vivek was left to take care of his father. Soon, his father also passed away due to liver Cirrhosis.
Vivek’s uncle (father’s brother) came forward and adopted him. Circumstances had made Vivek very depressed and an introvert. Ayush, his uncle’s son used to visit Asha regularly. He informed the Asha team about Vivek, they immediately met him and counselled and motivated him to visit the center regularly. This was a turning point in his life. He started visiting Asha and enrolled himself in computer classes and all Asha activities.
Last year Vivek completed his schooling and scored 75% marks. The Asha team with the support of his uncle got him admitted to Desh Bandhu College, Delhi University. He is presently pursuing liberal arts. Vivek is on his way to achieving his goal for a better life and we hope that he will be able to recover from the tragedies in his life.
Failing to cope with the situation, Vivek’s father started drinking alcohol and stopped working. All the responsibilities fell on Vivek’s brother. It was not long when Vivek’s elder brother ran away and young Vivek was left to take care of his father. Soon, his father also passed away due to liver Cirrhosis.
Vivek’s uncle (father’s brother) came forward and adopted him. Circumstances had made Vivek very depressed and an introvert. Ayush, his uncle’s son used to visit Asha regularly. He informed the Asha team about Vivek, they immediately met him and counselled and motivated him to visit the center regularly. This was a turning point in his life. He started visiting Asha and enrolled himself in computer classes and all Asha activities.
Last year Vivek completed his schooling and scored 75% marks. The Asha team with the support of his uncle got him admitted to Desh Bandhu College, Delhi University. He is presently pursuing liberal arts. Vivek is on his way to achieving his goal for a better life and we hope that he will be able to recover from the tragedies in his life.
Through hard work and perseverance Radhika is living her dreams
Radhika's parents Hari Om and mother Goumti belong to a small village in Mathura, U.P. They migrated to V.P Singh Camp, an urban slum in Delhi 25 years ago. Residing in a slum area was not easy as problems like insufficient water and electricity supply, lack of basic hygiene and sanitation posed a lot of problems.
Radhika passed her high school with 78% and aspired to pursue higher education but her father being an Uber driver earns Rs 8000-/ ($115.428) per month and that is not enough for the family to flourish well.
Under guidance from Asha she got admission to B.A Program from a prestigious college of Delhi University. Initially, she did not want to go to a regular college as she used to believe she would not be able to adapt to the new surrounding with children from affluent families. With the support from Asha she overcame this fear. Today, she has become the first one in her family to go to college for higher education.
“My many friends have gotten married, but I am the SON of my family. I will achieve all my dreams. The Asha values and financial support from my extended family have brought me here and I know, this would only take me to greater heights of success” said emotional Radhika.
Radhika passed her high school with 78% and aspired to pursue higher education but her father being an Uber driver earns Rs 8000-/ ($115.428) per month and that is not enough for the family to flourish well.
Under guidance from Asha she got admission to B.A Program from a prestigious college of Delhi University. Initially, she did not want to go to a regular college as she used to believe she would not be able to adapt to the new surrounding with children from affluent families. With the support from Asha she overcame this fear. Today, she has become the first one in her family to go to college for higher education.
“My many friends have gotten married, but I am the SON of my family. I will achieve all my dreams. The Asha values and financial support from my extended family have brought me here and I know, this would only take me to greater heights of success” said emotional Radhika.
Where there is a will there is a way
Anjum is the only daughter of Samina and Md. Nisar. They migrated to a 5 by 2 feet small shanty at Zakhira slum community from Bihar 20 years ago. Nisar began to work as a daily wage labourer and earned very little, however, he never stopped dreaming big for Anjum.
As a child Anjum became an active member of Asha’s Bal Mandal (Child's Association). When Anjum passed her high school exam with the support of Asha, Nasir made sure that he visited all the nursing institutes with the Asha team. Unfortunately, when the time came for admission, Nasir's health deteriorated and he became bed ridden. Due to immense financial crisis, Anjum could not pay the fees and her admission was cancelled. A month later, Nasir passed away and all the financial burden fell on Anjum. She started working for a minimal amount of 2000 INR monthly as a night guard. Yet, every morning, Anjum came to Asha, she studied and prepared for next year admission of nursing course.
Last year, the Asha team looking at her strength and positivity decided to support her financially. Anjum got admission in a nursing college. Currently she is in her second year of nursing and juggles between her part time job and education. She never forgets what Dr. Kiran spoke about positivity and optimism about life.
As a child Anjum became an active member of Asha’s Bal Mandal (Child's Association). When Anjum passed her high school exam with the support of Asha, Nasir made sure that he visited all the nursing institutes with the Asha team. Unfortunately, when the time came for admission, Nasir's health deteriorated and he became bed ridden. Due to immense financial crisis, Anjum could not pay the fees and her admission was cancelled. A month later, Nasir passed away and all the financial burden fell on Anjum. She started working for a minimal amount of 2000 INR monthly as a night guard. Yet, every morning, Anjum came to Asha, she studied and prepared for next year admission of nursing course.
Last year, the Asha team looking at her strength and positivity decided to support her financially. Anjum got admission in a nursing college. Currently she is in her second year of nursing and juggles between her part time job and education. She never forgets what Dr. Kiran spoke about positivity and optimism about life.
HASINA: PERSISTENCE IN SPITE OF ALL OBSTACLES
65-year-old Hasina resides in the Seelampur slum colony. Hasina was married off at the age of 16 to a daily wage labourer. She soon became a mother of 2 Sons.
In 1990, Hasina relocated to Delhi with her husband. She took a small hut on rent at Seelampur. Her husband worked as a tailor and earned INR 5000 p/m ($70/ £57). She met an Asha staff and started attending meetings regularly, she soon developed an interest in learning about health. Soon Hasina started working as a CHV at Asha and gave her services for the next 10 years. In 2014, unexpectedly Hasina’s husband died. Soon both her sons too relocated to different cities, leaving her all alone. Hasina’s life took a turn for the worst when 6 months ago, she was paralyzed with 2 legs and a hand after a fall from the stairs. No family members came forward to help. Her sons even refused to attend her calls. It was then the Asha family stepped in to support her. They helped her to seek treatment from the hospital and took her for physiotherapy every day. The Women’s group has contributed to her monthly ration.
Hasina is on the road to recovery and hopes to resume her job soon. She believes that the only family she can count on is ASHA.
In 1990, Hasina relocated to Delhi with her husband. She took a small hut on rent at Seelampur. Her husband worked as a tailor and earned INR 5000 p/m ($70/ £57). She met an Asha staff and started attending meetings regularly, she soon developed an interest in learning about health. Soon Hasina started working as a CHV at Asha and gave her services for the next 10 years. In 2014, unexpectedly Hasina’s husband died. Soon both her sons too relocated to different cities, leaving her all alone. Hasina’s life took a turn for the worst when 6 months ago, she was paralyzed with 2 legs and a hand after a fall from the stairs. No family members came forward to help. Her sons even refused to attend her calls. It was then the Asha family stepped in to support her. They helped her to seek treatment from the hospital and took her for physiotherapy every day. The Women’s group has contributed to her monthly ration.
Hasina is on the road to recovery and hopes to resume her job soon. She believes that the only family she can count on is ASHA.
Shabrunisha: Inspiring many in her slum
Shabrunisha is a living example of one who has suffered the consequences of living amidst a patriarchal kinship. But what is laudable here is that despite all the miseries in life, Shabrunisha came out confident and willing to make a better life for herself and her children.
Shabrunisha was married off at a very tender age. In no time, she became a mother to five daughters and one son. When she was carrying her sixth child in her womb, Asha Community Health Volunteer (CHV) started visiting her to perform check-ups on a regular basis and counselled her to register herself for delivery at the nearest government hospital. For the first time, Shabrunisha had a safe delivery in a hospital with proper maternal care and early childcare.
She joined the Mahila Mandal (Women’s Association) and started absorbing the Asha values. Sticking to Asha helped her grow as a confident and strong woman. She also started a makeshift Snacks shop to become independent. “I give all the freedom to my daughters to learn and do all that I could not. “One of my daughter-Shahzadi is pursuing her master’s degree with the help of Asha, while Roshni and Shaheen are studying in school and regularly visit Asha” said Shabrunisha.
Shabrunisha was married off at a very tender age. In no time, she became a mother to five daughters and one son. When she was carrying her sixth child in her womb, Asha Community Health Volunteer (CHV) started visiting her to perform check-ups on a regular basis and counselled her to register herself for delivery at the nearest government hospital. For the first time, Shabrunisha had a safe delivery in a hospital with proper maternal care and early childcare.
She joined the Mahila Mandal (Women’s Association) and started absorbing the Asha values. Sticking to Asha helped her grow as a confident and strong woman. She also started a makeshift Snacks shop to become independent. “I give all the freedom to my daughters to learn and do all that I could not. “One of my daughter-Shahzadi is pursuing her master’s degree with the help of Asha, while Roshni and Shaheen are studying in school and regularly visit Asha” said Shabrunisha.
Sunaina: Conquering all odds!
Sunaina grew up seeing her father scorching himself under a fiery sun while toiling in a rented farm.
She lives in a tiny makeshift shanty alongside the riverbed near Asha's Chanderpuri slum colony. The family, already on breadline, of eight, has been struggling with a monthly meagre income of Rs 7000 ($101.65 /£80.75) to make the ends meet.
She lives in a tiny makeshift shanty alongside the riverbed near Asha's Chanderpuri slum colony. The family, already on breadline, of eight, has been struggling with a monthly meagre income of Rs 7000 ($101.65 /£80.75) to make the ends meet.
Sunaina has become one regular and active member of Asha since last two years. She received notes, guides, sample papers, tuitions and a comfortable place to study with the help from Asha Ambassadors and Graduates for these two years. With the tremendous help and support from her family and Asha Team, she scored 86% in her school leaving exam and secured a seat in B.A Programme in Zakir Husain College of the Delhi University. A pure-hearted and laborious Sunaina gives all the credit of her success to her parents and Asha Team. Despite all her adversaries, Sunaina's efforts paid off! Inspired by other Asha Alumni, Sunaina believes that she will also make her career bright and become an English Teacher soon.
Asha High School Topper Mehjabeen on her new journey
The family of Mehjabeen, daughter of a daily wage mason Mohammad Raees migrated to Janta Camp from Uttar Pradesh’s Sultanpur some two decades ago. Mehjabeen along with her parents, one brother and sister, and a grandfather live altogether in a shanty no bigger than the size of a car. With a meagre and non-fixed income, that usually ranges between Rs 7000 to 8000 (£76.47-£87.40/ $99.50- $13.71) per month, their monthly household expenses are barely managed. The Asha Ambassadors, while on a visit in search of bright students in and around the community, found a sincere Mehjabeen.
In 12th class, Mehjabeen was provided with much-needed scholastic materials and a space comfortable for studying in peace. This year, Mehjabeen scored 96% in her 12th examination securing the highest in the subject of Home Science- 98. With her dedication she got admission to B.A Programme in Zakir Hussain College under the University of Delhi.
A story of dedication and hard work
17-year-old Nageena dwells in Asha’s Seelampur slum community for years. The family of six includes Nageena, her parents and three siblings. The hunt to earn a dignified livelihood brought the family to this ghetto in the Eastern part of Delhi from a village in Uttar Pradesh some 20 years back. Since then, the family is settled in an unventilated house.
Nageena had joined Asha in class seventh when one of the Asha Ambassadors spotted an intelligent but naive Nageena studying in a nearby government school. She has been coming to the centre and taking help from question banks and other educational materials, free tuitions by the Asha Graduates and guidance by the supervisors and team leaders since then.
Nageena dreams of becoming an Air Hostess. This year, she has scored 80.25% in her school leaving exam and is all excited to become the first ever child of her house to go pursue University Education.
Nageena had joined Asha in class seventh when one of the Asha Ambassadors spotted an intelligent but naive Nageena studying in a nearby government school. She has been coming to the centre and taking help from question banks and other educational materials, free tuitions by the Asha Graduates and guidance by the supervisors and team leaders since then.
Nageena dreams of becoming an Air Hostess. This year, she has scored 80.25% in her school leaving exam and is all excited to become the first ever child of her house to go pursue University Education.
Journey of Harshit with Asha
Harshit and Harsh are twins, sons of a family living in Chanderpuri slum colony. Their father came to the city out of desperation for earning livelihood when the children were about 4 years of age. The family found a small piece of land in the east of Delhi next to railway line. They built a small makeshift hut with whatever material they could lay hand on. His father had to struggle to find a menial job, but he ensured that Harsh and Harshit enrol in a government-run school.
The turning point in Harshit ‘s life came when he walked into the Asha Centre when he was just 15. He could not believe his eyes when he realized there was a quiet place for him to study. Through his hard work and his journey with Asha, he was able to find a place in one of the toughest and most competitive programs at Delhi University, a Bachelors in Electronic Engineering. He did his internship at SMEC and Macquarie Global Services during his graduation. Harshit is about to graduate in July 2019 and has been placed at a renowned Indian company called Wipro through campus interviews. Harshit would like to do his Masters in Electronic Engineering in near future.
Harshit is a wonderful Asha Ambassador, having transformed the lives of many students in and around Chanderpuri. He is a mentor to one of the Asha students, Suman.
The turning point in Harshit ‘s life came when he walked into the Asha Centre when he was just 15. He could not believe his eyes when he realized there was a quiet place for him to study. Through his hard work and his journey with Asha, he was able to find a place in one of the toughest and most competitive programs at Delhi University, a Bachelors in Electronic Engineering. He did his internship at SMEC and Macquarie Global Services during his graduation. Harshit is about to graduate in July 2019 and has been placed at a renowned Indian company called Wipro through campus interviews. Harshit would like to do his Masters in Electronic Engineering in near future.
Harshit is a wonderful Asha Ambassador, having transformed the lives of many students in and around Chanderpuri. He is a mentor to one of the Asha students, Suman.
TUSHAR- A STORY OF HOPE
Twenty- year-old Tushar lives with his family of four in Mayapuri slum community. His slum is sandwiched between Asia’s largest scrap market and the busiest railway lines. His father is the only breadwinner of the family and he has always seen financial problem at his home.
With his excellent merit in school leaving exams, he was supported by Asha to secure and study in the renowned Shivaji College of Delhi University and is pursuing graduation in History Honours and presently he has completed his second year of his graduation.
Seeing his hard work, he was provided internship at British High Commission and Macquarie. After he completes his bachelor’s degree, he plans to pursue master’s in history of Art as he dreams of becoming a Historian or a Museologist someday. Tushar is an excellent Asha Ambassador takes special classes for the juniors, free of cost.
Watch his journey in his own words:
With his excellent merit in school leaving exams, he was supported by Asha to secure and study in the renowned Shivaji College of Delhi University and is pursuing graduation in History Honours and presently he has completed his second year of his graduation.
Seeing his hard work, he was provided internship at British High Commission and Macquarie. After he completes his bachelor’s degree, he plans to pursue master’s in history of Art as he dreams of becoming a Historian or a Museologist someday. Tushar is an excellent Asha Ambassador takes special classes for the juniors, free of cost.
Watch his journey in his own words:
A YOUNG LEADER IN THE MAKING
Twenty-four- year-old Mahinder lived in Ekta Vihar, R.K. Puram, a slum situated in the heart of Delhi. He called a single room his home, which he shared with five family members. His life was riddled with one struggle after another—from acquiring basic amenities to finding the time and resources for education.
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Seeing Mahinder’s potential from his high grades at secondary school, Asha’s Founder and Director Dr. Kiran Martin helped him transition from a government school to a private school for a higher quality education. Asha helped him with everything from purchasing books to practicing his communication skills. Asha also enabled him to get an education loan, which eased his impoverished parents’ financial burden and helped Mahinder to pursue a B. Tech course in Information Technology from one of India’s premier educational institutions.
Fueled by unrelenting determination, Mahinder went on to become the first child from the slums to receive a full scholarship from one of the top establishments in Australia—The University of Melbourne—where he’s pursuing post graduate studies in Computer Science. After he completes his degree, he plans to secure a job in the corporate sector while continuing to advocate for health and the empowerment of women through his association with Asha. Watch his journey here:
Fueled by unrelenting determination, Mahinder went on to become the first child from the slums to receive a full scholarship from one of the top establishments in Australia—The University of Melbourne—where he’s pursuing post graduate studies in Computer Science. After he completes his degree, he plans to secure a job in the corporate sector while continuing to advocate for health and the empowerment of women through his association with Asha. Watch his journey here:
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A ROLE MODEL IS BORn
When Asha started working in the slum community at Zakhira over a decade ago, a young illiterate Muslim woman named Shazda joined the Mahila Mandal (Women’s Association) despite her family’s orthodox beliefs. Her husband didn’t even know of her involvement.
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Her enthusiasm and dedication towards Asha’s work inspired the team to train her as a Community Health Volunteer (CHV). A keen and diligent learner, Shazda became an integral part of the healthcare program and eventually took over the CHV responsibilities—from conducting family planning workshops to providing door-to- door medical assistance to tracking community member health records.
Shazda worked tirelessly to help others and to acquire new skills, which led her to a promising job at a government-run hospital. Now she contributes to her family’s income and ensures that her children attend school every day. Her hope is that one day they would each aspire to make an impact through work, just like her.
Shazda worked tirelessly to help others and to acquire new skills, which led her to a promising job at a government-run hospital. Now she contributes to her family’s income and ensures that her children attend school every day. Her hope is that one day they would each aspire to make an impact through work, just like her.
FROM EXCLUSION TO EMPOWERMENT
When Farzana moved to Delhi with her husband over two decades ago, she was completely unprepared for the challenges ahead. The couple settled in Chanderpuri slum, where Farzana’s husband found work selling decorative fruit baskets. But with six children, her husbands’ income wasn’t enough to support the family. Searching for help, Farzana learned about Asha in 2000 and joined the Women’s Association even though her husband didn’t support her in stepping out of the house.
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Her situation only got worse when her husband passed away in 2015, leaving her in mourning and with only about 2,500 rupees to survive on, which is roughly $38. “I became socially excluded, but Asha gave me hope. Now, I work as a small-scale tailor while my elder son works where his father did,” commented Farzana.
Today Farzana champions women’s rights in her community and works fervently to educate the slum residents. A proud mother whose children are studying at The University of Delhi, Farzana states, “I am content that my children won’t have the life that I had.”
Today Farzana champions women’s rights in her community and works fervently to educate the slum residents. A proud mother whose children are studying at The University of Delhi, Farzana states, “I am content that my children won’t have the life that I had.”
BUILDING A BUSINESS, REBUILDING HOPE
The mother of five children, Bhuli is a widow living in Tigri slum. After her husband passed away, she started work as a domestic help in various homes. Despite working long hours, she couldn’t sustain the family and even thought of withdrawing her children from school at one point.
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However, after meeting the Asha team she was encouraged to take a loan to start a costume jewelry business. Asha facilitated her loan of 20,000 rupees and secured space in a shop for her to work in. During the day, she would go from door to door in nearby areas to sell her imitation jewelry.
She has now built up a great rapport with her customers, her business is thriving and her monthly repayment of 680 rupees is always on time. She also invests a portion of her savings back into her business. Today she is thrilled that she can send her children to school and wants them to advance to college.
She has now built up a great rapport with her customers, her business is thriving and her monthly repayment of 680 rupees is always on time. She also invests a portion of her savings back into her business. Today she is thrilled that she can send her children to school and wants them to advance to college.