Many underprivileged women in poverty-hit northern region of the country have found rays of hope to survive and educate children after receiving training and sewing machine from Bashundhara Group.
Ever-smiling Mousumi Akter was married just after passing the SSC examinations. She is the eldest of five siblings. Seeing desire for higher education, her husband arranged her enrollment in college. After passing HSC, she was admitted to BBS in Dinajpur Government College.
But Mousumi could not continue her studies due to various complications. Her husband was diagnosed with kidney complications. As medical expenses were high, she looked for earning source. After hearing about free sewing training, she got enrolled into Shuvosangho centre.
After the training, Mousumi received a sewing machine from Bashundhara Group.
“I am very happy. Bashundhara Group has stood by me when everyone has shown back. I pray for welfare of Bashundhara owner,” she said.
Salma Farsi Imu was a student of Islamic History at Dinajpur Women's College. She got married in her the first year. Salma's husband was a workshop employee. Meanwhile, Salma became the mother of a daughter. She continued her studies with children. Their life was going well. However, Salma has fallen into deep crisis when her husband was diagnosed with a heart block.
Salma hardly manages the medical expenses of her husband. There is no one else to earn in the family. Salma thinks of doing something herself. After joining the Shuvosangho sewing training centre, she received a sewing machine from Bashundhara Group.
Getting sewing machine, Salma acknowledged that Bashundhara Group has extended support to her at difficult times.
“I never thought of getting a sewing machine. Bashundhara Group is doing a great job by standing by people like us,” she said
Promising girl, Saida wanted to bring laurels for her family by pursuing higher study. But her thousand dreams nipped in the bud. When she was seventh grader, her father died of cancer.
Her mother was in trouble with four children. The elder brother took charge of the family. He forced Saida to be married. No more study was possible under the pressure of in-laws.
Saida’s husband works in wood shop. Due to uncertain future of two children, Saida started working as domestic help. One day, she learnt about free sewing training centre of Shuvosangho.
Then, Saida decided to learn sewing instead of working at other’s house. She got enrolled into training centre and received a sewing machine from Bashundhara Group.
Regarding the training programme, Saida said Bashundhara Group pushes her towards self-reliance.
Kulsuma was playing sports with all other friends in Dinajpur Birampur playground. The field was a little far from the house. At one point, mother took her hand and brought her home. The 10-year-old Kulsuma could not imagine her marriage. But it happened.
She went to in-laws’ house. She could not understand why she was in another’s house. Later, she began to realise the harsh reality of life.
She was a third grader at the time of marriage. Marriage put an end to study. Her husband is engaged in agriculture. The family was running on his income alone. In the long 11 years of marriage, Kulsuma only lent time to her husband and children.
Kulsuma, a mother of three, educates her 7-year-old daughter. She has dreamt about educating her daughter. Now, the child's bright future is uncertain with the husband's income alone. Once, she learnt about Shuvosangho sewing training, she got enrolled into. Later, she got a sewing machine from Bashundhara group.
Regarding the training and sewing machine, Kulsuma said, “I couldn’t afford a sewing machine. Now, I will be able to educate my children.”
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
