your family update
You Backed them and things began to change
Anusha Sakthi-Suresh
Donor
When we met Valliyamma, we saw the challenges of life etched deeply on her face. She is 76 years old and has endured unimaginable loss. Three of her children have passed away, two during the war and one to illness, leaving her alone and vulnerable. Her remaining son is married and unable to care for her, so she faces each day without the support many elderly people rely on. Valliyamma suffers from an illness that requires monthly visits to the clinic, but without transportation or a steady income, even these essential trips are a struggle.
During our visit, it became clear how difficult daily life is for Valliyamma. She cannot meet her basic expenses or cover medical costs and often goes without food or other necessities. The lack of financial security makes every day stressful and uncertain. Valliyamma longs for stability and dignity, wishing for a life where she can take care of her health and meet her basic needs without constant worry.
With your support, Valliyamma could generate some income and live more independently. Even a small opportunity to earn a living would allow her to cover daily expenses and medical treatments, giving her hope and comfort in her remaining years. Your help can make a lasting difference, offering not only financial support but also the reassurance that Valliyamma is not forgotten and that someone cares.
We’ve captured their voice so you can hear their story.
Mother, How is your family’s income now?
Now, I run a small petty shop where I sell items like betel leaves and areca nuts, rice flour, biscuits, and other essentials in small quantities, based on the money I have.
(When we first met Valliyamma, we noticed that, because of her age, she couldn’t do hard physical work. We suggested a livelihood that would suit her abilities, a small petty shop. With Palmera’s support, Valliyamma learned how to manage her funds, choose the right items to sell, and serve her customers well. Running this small business gives her a steady income, builds her confidence, and helps her provide for her family, bringing stability and hope to her life.)
I have also planted peanuts, raise chickens, and collect the eggs they lay, both for selling and for our own meals.
(Palmera supports Valliyamma by helping her raise chickens to improve food security and generate income. This includes training on proper care, feeding, and egg production so she can sell eggs and use them for her family’s meals. In addition, Palmera supports her in starting peanut farming by providing access to quality seeds, introducing new practices, and facilitating collective selling opportunities. Through these efforts, Valliyamma is able to earn a reliable income while ensuring better nutrition and stability for her family.)
I have joined Palmera’s village savings bank, where we save regularly. The income from my petty shop is used to contribute to these savings.
(Palmera established the village bank in her village to develop financial literacy, a place to save and revolve their savings as loans to reduce their debt from predatory lenders. Through the village bank women come together each week to talk, to share what is going on, to support each other. This is the foundation for change because change happens in community and that is exactly what these structures support)
We have also taken a loan from the village savings bank to improve this shop. Palmera provides us with various training sessions and helps us learn many new things. I am very interested in the savings bank. We have gained many benefits from it and now actively save money through it.
Mother, What is your goal?
This shop is my future. Continuing with a small shop, raising chickens, and running a peanut business successfully are my goals for the future.
Would you like to say something to the family that helped you?
I want to sincerely thank the family who helped me. My heartfelt gratitude goes to those who supported me, even without knowing me personally. Thank you so much to the entire family for your kindness.
