By Keval Shah | Project Leader
It is always a privilege to meet the beneficiaries of our project.
Amongst the cramped squalor of the slums, which now house over a third of the city's population, I see how the lives of young women have been transformed through the work you are supporting.
One such young women is 25 year old mother Rajya. She tells me how the course allowed her the opportunity to see a world beyond her house, and the part of the slum she lived in.
"Before I didn’t go outside, I just used to stay here. Our men don’t let us go out... they wouldn’t even send us to work, and so in Rajennagar?
This lady came to us, and said they we’re running sewing classes, so I said ‘ok, I’ll have a look, I’ll try'."
When Rajya went to see the class, she saw there were other women and girls from her caste there, and that the teacher was "really kind".
"And we’d chat, all of us, and there were all sorts, less wealthy girls, more wealthy girls, all there to learn how to sew. Then she taught us very well - explained things well."
Learning skills such as this helps the family financially, as well as helping the confidence of young women. Their value in the household is increased by their earning money.
"Now I sew at home, we get orders for clothes from outside. I can sew things for others, and I can get some help, my husband even helps me a little. And my husband likes it to that his 'Bibi' knows how to sew. He really likes it."
Of course, one of the main advantages of attending such a course is being able to leave the home environment and the slum, and interact with other women in a different space.
"It was really nice, talking with everyone, I was really happy. And I got the opportunity to go out."
Thanks so much for giving this invaluable opportunity to develop to young women such as Rajya. It wouldn't be possible without your generosity.
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