19 Feb Sawari’s story of resilience and economic independence

Sarwari Begam lives in Pakariyo village, located in Chanho commune. A mother of two daughters and two sons, she led a peaceful life as a housewife, while her husband, a computer operator in another state, provided a stable income for their family. Everything seemed perfect until an event turned her life upside down: her husband filed for divorce and remarried.

This shock left Sarwari devastated, worried about her children’s future and without a source of income. She was facing extreme difficulties in providing for her family. Seeking help, she turned to our vocational training centre in Chanho. After a counselling session, she realised that this was not the end of her journey, but the beginning of a new chapter.

In January 2022, Sarwari joined a 6-month tailoring course at our centre. She learned how to make different types of clothes: dresses, salwar, blouses, skirts, sari and children’s outfits. She also acquired skills to maintain and repair sewing machines.

After completing her training, her son-in-law gifted her a sewing machine. Although her beginnings were humble, her customers soon recognised the quality of her work. Today, she receives large orders from a garment boutique in Ranchi. Every week, she collects fabrics, sews 100 to 125 pieces, and earns ₹40 per piece. With this steady income, she is able to support her family, send her youngest daughter to a good college and her sons to school.

Sarwari also has ambitions to develop her embroidery skills to expand her business. She says :
« I am happy to earn a living and support my family. I am very grateful to Amar Jyoti Society and CIAO KIDS Foundation for giving me the opportunity to take this sewing course. This training has made me economically independent. »

Sarwari is today an example of resilience and a true source of inspiration for her community.