your family update
You Backed them and things began to change
Lav Indra
Donor
When we met Sivakumary, her home was quiet yet heavy with the weight of constant struggle. She is a widow, left alone after her husband passed away from illness, and she now carries the full responsibility of caring for their five children. Two daughters stay in a boarding home for safety, while the remaining three are at home, depending on her for every meal and comfort.
Work is a challenge she cannot leave behind; she cannot go far or for long hours because the children need her presence and care. Her income comes mostly from a small welfare payment, barely enough to cover the daily essentials. Occasionally, she finds temporary work nearby, but it never provides consistent support. Each day is a fight to put food on the table, provide schooling supplies, and keep her family safe.
Yet in the midst of hardship, there is resilience. Sivakumary continues to care for her children with quiet determination, dreaming of a day when they can live without fear of hunger, illness, or insecurity. Her eyes tell a story of love, endurance, and hope that refuses to fade even in the darkest moments.
We’ve captured their voice so you can hear their story.
Do you think there have been any changes in your family situation?
My name is Sivakumary. I have been through a lot of hardships from the beginning. I have five children, and my husband has also passed away. I have the smallest on my arm, but I had to leave my baby behind to go to work, and I used to spend 2 to 3 hours doing household chores and garden work before taking care of my children. That’s how I raised them. Now, they have grown up a bit, and all of them are studying. One child helps me a little, but the rest are small children. They are all studying. These days, I don’t go out for work much, especially not for daily wage labour. I mostly do small fruit and vegetable cultivation. I also had to provide school supplies such as books, bags, shoes and other needs for the younger children. The struggles were harder before. Previously, even eating one meal a day was a struggle, but now we are at least able to manage two meals a day.
Do you now have confidence that you can raise and support five children?
Yes, I have confidence and determination. After my husband passed away, I was lost and didn’t know what to do. I was in a state of confusion and tears, not knowing how to raise my children or how to educate them. Now, I have found some courage and strength in my heart. My dream and goal are to see my children become well-educated and respected individuals in society. I may not have studied much myself, but I am determined to ensure my children reach great heights. This is the courage and confidence that drives me.
Currently, one of my children is studying and has secured a spot in a university to pursue a teacher training course. I hope to educate my other children in the same way and help them become successful. I am also managing fruit and vegetable cultivation at home to support their education. However, it’s better now compared to before. We now have two meals a day instead of just one. I am determined to raise my children well. My work involves maintaining the fruit and vegetable cultivation, poultry farming, and I continue to do these tasks to sustain us
I feel a sense of self-confidence now. Just as other children study well and succeed, I have the confidence and determination to raise my children in the same way and help them become great individuals.
Did you join that 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).
Yes, I joined that group. Palmera team came to me and explained me about importance of joining that group.so I joined. In the beginning, we struggled even to get food every day. Then, I managed household needs by taking small loans. Even now, for urgent needs, I take on loans whether for essential household expenses or my children’s needs.
The Lav Indra family has helped your family make progress. Would you like to say something to them?
I am deeply grateful to that family. Because of their help, we have been able to move forward to some extent and raise our children with confidence, ensuring their education. I sincerely wish them a long and prosperous life, and may God always be with them. I express my heartfelt gratitude again and again.
