Paira Begum Mosammat Paira Begum, wife of Mr. Jamal Sardar, hailed from the village of Ashikati Sardar Bari, Baburhat Chandpur Sadar. Paira Begum was a member of the New Horizon team.
Paira Begum had three sons, all of whom received education in the local Nurani Madrasa. Meanwhile, her husband, Mr. Jamal Sardar, had gone abroad for a better life. However, upon returning, he faced unemployment and struggled to make ends meet.
In the waning days of 2018, Paira Begum learned about the Livelihood Chandpur Project initiated by the Daffodil Foundation. She joined the project as a member of the New Dignity organization. With Jamal's qualifications, skills, knowledge, and experience, coupled with the challenges faced by Paira Begum, they actively participated in discussions and critiques within the project.
Facing financial difficulties, Jamal eventually started working as a sanitary worker. The meager income from this job made it challenging for the family to sustain themselves, leading to desperate situations like skipping meals.
In an effort to break free from the cycle of poverty, Jamal discovered the Livelihood Chandpur Project at the end of 2018. Paira Begum became a member of the New Horizon organization. With their combined efforts, they engaged in extensive discussions and criticism of the project, seeking solutions.
In the end, after consulting with Paira Begum, Jamal decided to venture into business. Initially, the Livelihood Chandpur Project provided a non-interest-bearing investment of 25,000 Taka to Jamal. He started a small venture producing bollies (a type of cement block) and established himself as an entrepreneur.
The business flourished, and with additional investments, Jamal expanded his operations to produce various items like rings, slabs, pillars, and more for sanitary latrine construction. Currently, Jamal employs 10-12 workers, ensuring their livelihoods and freeing them from the shackles of debt and interest.
What may seem surprising is that Jamal, who was once unemployed, is now actively contributing to eradicating unemployment. The couple's aspirations extend to giving charity during the upcoming Ramadan, further solidifying their commitment to helping the less fortunate.
Throughout their journey, the Livelihood Chandpur Project stood by them, providing support not only in terms of finances but also in essentials like food items during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the project facilitated access to medical services, ensuring their well-being.
The Livelihood Chandpur Project has consistently been a companion in times of need for the underprivileged. We hope for continued success for Jamal and Paira Begum in the future.
Mrs. Mosammat Morjina Begum (32) is the wife of Mr. Jahir Bepari, residing in Talatala Bazar, Dakshin Maishadi, Chandpur. Jahir works as an embroidery worker, earning a satisfactory income of 8,000 Taka at the end of each month. With two sons and a daughter, the family was struggling to make ends meet, ensuring their children's education with this income.
Despite their efforts, financial constraints forced Morjina and Jahir to take a loan of 2 lakh Taka from a local NGO. This loan was utilized to improve their embroidery business. However, managing the household expenses, children's education, and repaying the loan installments posed a significant challenge.
In 2018, the Jibika Chandpur-2 project, under the management of the Daffodil Foundation, started its operations. Morjina shared her problems with the project officers during a meeting, seeking assistance. The project team, along with Shapla-2 Trinamul Sangathan, assured support to Morjina and Jahir.
After thorough discussions and consultations, the project team suggested Jahir invest in an embroidery machine, providing him with a chance to earn additional income. Jahir agreed, and with the project's financial support, he purchased the machine, investing 20,000 Taka without any interest.
To augment their income, Morjina and Jahir adopted a careful and thoughtful approach. They gradually repaid the loan while ensuring their business and agricultural activities thrived. Morjina's determination led her to venture into livestock farming, starting with raising cows. The profit from selling cows provided them with a substantial income of 80,000 Taka.
Emboldened by their success, Morjina and Jahir expanded their business further. They invested in a poultry farm and purchased two more cows with a 1 lakh Taka investment from the project office. Their careful planning and hard work resulted in additional profits, further improving their financial situation.
Currently, Jahir has expanded his embroidery business, employing three more people. The shop generates a monthly income of 20,000 to 25,000 Taka. In addition to the business, they engage in agriculture, cultivating rice and vegetables, contributing to a self-sustained and content life.
Morjina and Jahir have faced life's challenges with the constant support of the Jibika Chandpur project. Besides financial assistance, they received guidance and medical support, reinforcing their belief in overcoming adversity. Looking ahead, Morjina and Jahir dream of expanding their embroidery business and livestock farming, providing employment opportunities to local youth.
The Jibika Chandpur project continues to empower families like Morjina and Jahir's, turning their lives around and fostering dreams of a better future.
Kulsuma Begum, a resident of Chandpur-2, is a successful entrepreneur associated with the Meghna Trinmul Sangathan under the Daffodil Foundation's Jeebika Chandpur-2 project.
Kulsuma's husband is a taxi driver, and the family relies solely on his daily earnings for survival. With two sons and two daughters, their household consists of six members. Due to financial instability, Kulsuma's family has experienced times of partial hunger and deprivation.
In the face of life's challenges, Kulsuma found hope and light through the Meghna Trinmul Sangathan's Chandpur-2 project. Learning about Kulsuma's struggles, the project team engaged with her listened to her problems and pledged support. The Daffodil Foundation's Chandpur-2 project became a ray of hope for Kulsuma.
Facing financial constraints, Kulsuma and the project team brainstormed various income-generating ideas. They decided to initiate goat farming with an initial investment of 25,000 Taka, eventually expanding the flock to 15 goats. The continuous growth of the goat farm has now led to a total market value of nearly 100,000 Taka.
Taking proactive steps, Kulsuma decided to further diversify her business by venturing into cattle farming. With an investment of 80,000 Taka, she purchased a cow for breeding. After five months of nurturing and care, she sold the cow for 140,000 Taka, making a profit of 60,000 Taka.
Empowered by her success, Kulsuma decided to invest in her children's education. Her son Jahidul Islam, currently in the tenth grade, has received a scholarship, while her daughter has excelled in her secondary and higher secondary exams with an A+ grade.
Despite facing hurdles, Kulsuma's son managed to secure a job abroad, although financial challenges hindered him from repaying the loan taken for the overseas endeavor.
The Chandpur-2 project team, always by Kulsuma's side, provided guidance and assistance. They suggested the establishment of a dairy farm, leading Kulsuma to invest in five cows. The farm now yields a daily income, covering the family's daily expenses.
Looking ahead, Kulsuma aspires to expand her cattle farm, providing employment opportunities for local youths. Her dream is to see her son become a successful BCS cadre officer.
Kulsuma's journey, supported by the Chandpur-2 project, serves as an inspiring example of determination and resilience. The project not only transformed her family's economic condition but also contributed to the community's well-being.
In conclusion, Kulsuma Begum's success story reflects the transformative impact of livelihood projects on impoverished and vulnerable communities. Her dedication to overcoming challenges and pursuing a better life for her family stands as a testament to the positive outcomes achievable through such initiatives.
Jasmin Begum, aged 32, married to Mohammad Lokman Mizi in 2004, and resides in Uttar Dasdi, Baburhat, Chandpur Sadar, Chandpur. The couple had three sons and a daughter, leading a content family life, with Lokman working as a laborer. However, in 2014, misfortune struck when Lokman fell seriously ill due to a sudden fever, leading to blindness. The family faced economic hardship as Lokman, the sole earner, became jobless. The shadow of poverty cast itself upon Jasmin Begum's family, comprising six members.
With no alternative income sources, Jasmin faced the challenge of providing for her four children while coping with her husband's deteriorating health. The struggle intensified as they battled not only with health issues but also with the scarcity of food. Amid these challenges, Jasmin sought alternative solutions. The lack of financial means forced Jasmin Begum's family into a dark phase.
At the end of 2018, Jasmin learned about the Livelihood Chandpur-2 project run by the Daffodil Foundation. Representatives from the project interacted with Jasmin, offering support and guidance. Becoming a member of the Trinamool Sangathan, a grassroots organization, brought a glimmer of hope into Jasmin Begum's life. Jasmin, determined to bring about change, became involved with the Livelihood Chandpur project.
Jasmin started her journey by investing the project's initial fund of 10,000 Taka in cultivating rice. After achieving a successful harvest, she used the proceeds to sustain her family. Motivated by the positive outcome, Jasmin ventured into rice cultivation once again with an investment of 20,000 Taka, yielding profitable results.
As Jasmin continued to explore additional income sources, she caught the attention of the Livelihood project team. Recognizing Jasmin's potential, the project extended its support by advising her on diversifying her endeavors. Jasmin, resolute in her commitment to change, embraced the suggestions from the Livelihood Chandpur team.
With a new vision, Jasmin invested in cultivating paddy and started a successful dairy farming venture. Gradually, she expanded her agricultural activities, procuring a pump machine for irrigation. Beyond her land, Jasmin extended her irrigation support to other farmers in the community, becoming a valuable resource.
In her pursuit of increasing income, Jasmin seized the opportunity to start a tailoring business during her leisure time. She acquired a sewing machine and gradually developed her skills. Jasmin's determination and entrepreneurial spirit led her to face the challenges with resilience.
Taking a bigger risk, Jasmin invested 60,000 Taka from the Livelihood project and her savings to purchase two pregnant cows, initiating her cattle farming venture. Within a short period, the cows gave birth to calves, and Jasmin's income soared as she successfully sold them for a considerable profit.
Despite facing adversity, Jasmin's life took a positive turn. With continuous efforts, she expanded her dairy farming business, acquiring a large, well-built cowshed with an investment of 150,000 Taka. The dairy business, combined with the sale of surplus milk and eggs, became a steady source of income, contributing to the well-being of her family.
Jasmin, however, faced another challenge when her husband's health worsened due to cancer. The financial burden increased as the family allocated funds for his medical expenses. Jasmin courageously managed both her husband's treatment and the household, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity.
Currently, Jasmin's farm includes four cows, three pregnant cows, and eight calves, valued at approximately 1 million Taka. In addition to dairy farming, she successfully runs a poultry business, generating an income of around 1,500 Taka per day from milk and egg sales.
Looking towards the future, Jasmin aspires to establish her dairy farm with modern facilities. Furthermore, she aims to provide her children with higher education and dreams of becoming a respected figure who contributes to society.
Jasmin's story reflects her indomitable spirit and unwavering determination to overcome challenges. As she continues to prosper, her journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of resilience and hard work. We wish Jasmin Begum and her family prosperity and success in their future endeavors.