Pabitra Dhami, a 38-year-old woman, is a resident of ward number 4 of Geruwa Rural Municipality. She has the sole responsibility of looking after her two sons and her elderly mother-in-law. Her husband went to India 14 years ago and never returned. Her husband’s absence not only burden her with the overall responsibilities of her family, but also made her face unbearable social stigma and humiliation from her in-laws.

Recalling her difficult days, she shares, “I have faced uncountable hurdles in my life. When my husband abandoned us, I had to take care of two small children on my own. My condition was so poor that I could not afford writing pads for my children, and they had to rely on used stationery materials from others.”

Since the time she started to receive support from GNI Nepal, the burdens of her life started to recede. Now both of her children are studying well and she is also involved in different community work. Consequently, her economic and social life has been improved. Expressing her gratitude to GNI Nepal, she recounts, “When I started to serve in the community as a Female Community Health Volunteer (FCHV), it boosted my confidence and gave me an identity. Later, I received comprehensive training on community health from GNI Nepal. The skill honed my expertise further. As an FCHV, I started to get some allowance too. Later in 2016,  I also received tailoring training from GNI Nepal which yielded additional income for me. With the income, I have been able to manage the educational expenses of my younger son who is now in grade 8, whereas my elder one is being sponsored by GNI Nepal.”

Now her elder son, Yogesh Dhami, a 16- year old boy, is a grade ten student at Shree Janta Secondary School. GNI Nepal started to sponsor him when he was in grade two. Studious Yogesh performs well in exams and secures the first position in his class. “I want to pursue higher education and be successful in life.”, affirms Yogesh. 

Previously timid and helpless, Pabitra has now turned into a confident and vocal person. She says, “I myself am amazed to see the changes that have occurred in my personality. Earlier, I was very anxious and nervous. However, I can put forward my opinions and speak up for my rights now. ”She reckons her involvement in Shree Nepal Rastra Secondary School as a School Management Committee Member (SMC) and Him Shikar Krishi Cooperative Limited being instrumental in bringing a positive transformation in her personality. She received school management-related training from GNI Nepal as a member of the school which is supported by GNI Nepal. The cooperative with which she is affiliated was also established under the Community Development Project of GNI  Nepal in 2015 and is still receiving support from the organization.