your family update
You Backed them and things began to change
Rahul Balasundaram
Donor
When we first met Nirmala, we could immediately see the heavy burdens she carried for her small family of three. She is unwell, and her husband’s meager earnings are barely enough to cover her hospital bills and the family’s basic needs. Adding to their challenges, her husband struggles with alcoholism, making daily life even more unstable. Poverty and uncertainty touch every corner of their lives, leaving Nirmala constantly worried about survival.
Despite these hardships, Nirmala’s heart is filled with hope for her children. She dreams of giving them a better future—one where they can grow, learn, and live with dignity. Yet, each day presents a battle to meet even the most basic necessities, from food to healthcare. Meeting her, we felt both the weight of her struggles and the quiet strength that pushes her forward. Nirmala’s story is a powerful reminder of how a mother’s love and resilience persist even in the hardest circumstances, and how timely support can transform a family’s life.
We’ve captured their voice so you can hear their story.
Do you feel happy now?
I am happy now. Very happy. Because of the suffering and misery, I went through, my daughter is now going to school because of Palmera. And there was no water facility at home. My husband used to get up early in the morning and collect water. It was very difficult for us to take a bath. We are very happy now. We do not have any problem with the water facility now. We do not have this problem with taking a bath either. I am doing a fruit and vegetable cultivation. I have coconut trees. We are very happy because we have got livelihood.
Have you joined the village savings group?
(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).
After I joined this village savings group, I am very happy through this group. Because I go to the hospital every week. Sometimes I need money. I will get it from the group when I attend weekly. Later I will pay that money back to them. Through this group, I get more benefits. I also get benefits. Even though I am unable to walk. I will happily join the group. I go to the group and be happy with everyone, get money, and go to the hospital and fulfill my medical needs.
What is your future goal?
I want to cultivate all my land. As a woman, I want to educate my child alone and grow up in this place and this village with good position. That is my goal.
Rahul Balasundara’s family helped you to be happy. Do you want to say something to them?
Thank you very much to those who have helped. I have benefited a lot from this help. Thank you for continuing to help me. And thank you brother for helping my daughter. My heartfelt thanks to you.
