Engage&Empower girls & boys for Girl Effect-India

Dear donors and supporters,

Greetings from IDEA!

We are very happy to share success stoties of our young ladies Sangita and Rekha.

Rekha -Aspiring career as a professional Beautician

Rekha’s life story before marriage is typically of a poor girl from Indian village. She studied till 10^th and got married. Family responsibilities increased soon. She has two daughters to bring up. Rekha had inner urge for education. She heard about the courses started by IDEA in her community. She came for enquiry and was happy to know that she can get admission even if she just 10^th pass. A little guidance from social worker on time management and motivation helped her to put her desire into action.

Rekha joined basic course in beautician and completed class room training successfully. At the time of internship, she was told to wear Salwar kameez as a dress code. It was very difficult for her to bring about that change. Her family did not permit her to wear Salwar kameez after marriage. She had to convince her husband that she will be wearing it only in the beauty salon. Today Rekha is working and earning Rs. 3500 per month and pursuing an advance course as well. The self grooming sessions made her confident, smart and happy. Her husband is happy too and supporting her. Her agenda for next five years is to gain experience, save money and then open a beauty salon of her own. 

Sangeeta- Improved standard of living.

IDEA is conducting Tailoring courses in two slum communities in Pune city. There are 29 students who attend it. The class is for two hours daily from Monday to Friday. We teach tailoring from scratch right from operating the sewing machine to garment stitching. There is high demand from ladies and girls to learn saree blouse and Punjabi suits as they start getting orders from neighborhood soon. We organize field visits and life skill sessions on personal grooming, steps for self employment etc.

One such student Sangeeta was inspired by the guest lecture who stated the need and scope for stitching baby clothes. She knew to stitch only saree blouse. Gradually she learned to stitch other garments and today she stitches them on piece work and provides to a boutique! Her income has increased by Rs 3000 per month than earlier. She used to live in a very small room. Now she has shifted to a new bigger house in the same locality. She is proud to contribute in the family income. She says,”The expenses are increasing as my two sons are studying in 5^th and 2^nd in a private school. Husband’s income is not sufficient to meet all our needs. I need to support. My share has increased the standard of living to some extent and I am very happy about it.”

Thank you donors. Your support really means a lot to us. Please continue your support to empower many more girls in this region.