your family update
You Backed them and things began to change
Rujanthen mahalingam
Donor
When we met Kokila, her home reflected the heavy weight of struggle and uncertainty. Abandoned by her husband, she lives alone, carrying the burden of caring for herself while managing a serious heart condition. Every day is a challenge — she works as a wage laborer, but employment is inconsistent, and there are days when no work is available at all. Accessing basic necessities is a constant worry; without a well, even getting clean water is difficult, and medical expenses add another layer of stress. She often goes without proper meals to make sure her limited resources last, and the thought of tomorrow weighs heavily on her.
Despite these hardships, Kokila’s determination is evident. She dreams of a livelihood that would allow her to start a small self-employment venture, support herself, and meet her essential needs. With a steady income, she hopes to afford medical care, food, and basic household necessities, and to gain some independence and stability. Her hope is quiet but steadfast — with the right support, she believes she can secure a future where survival is no longer a daily struggle. Kokila’s story is one of resilience, courage, and a deep desire for self-sufficiency and a better life.
We’ve captured their voice so you can hear their story.
How is your family situation now?
Earlier, I worked as a wage laborer, but now I am sewing from home. Since orders are coming in, I am able to meet my family’s daily needs.
Did you join the village savings group?
Yes, I save in the village savings group and have also taken a loan. With the loan, I built and repaired fences and sowed peanuts. In addition, I am now doing a small fruit and vegetable cultivation.
(Palmera established a village bank in our community to develop financial literacy—a place where we could save and access loans to reduce our debt from predatory lenders).
How is your livelihood going now?
Along with sewing, I have sown peanuts and started fruit and vegetable cultivation. I use the vegetables from my garden to fulfill my family’s daily needs.
What are your future goals?
If I create more designs while sewing, I will receive more orders. I also aim to expand my cultivation further.
The person who helped is Rujanthen Mahalingam. What would you like to say to him?
On behalf of my family, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to him. I will not waste this help and will continue to work hard to make the most of this opportunity.
