Feroza's Story
Feroza Begum
Ms. Feroza Begum is currently one of our most skilled producers. Born in 1983, in Mymensingh to a sexworker, she was left homeless and helpless at the tender age of just two years old, when both her parents died. An organisation by the name of “Naree Moitree” took responsibility for Feroza’s upbringing and offered her training in handicrafts with Ideas International, an NGO in Mymensingh. A period of unemployment followed, where Feroza was unable to find decent employment anywhere. After “Naree Moitree” established contact with Earth-Conscious, Feroza was immediately accepted as a trainee producer and was given the scope to utilise her training in wooden handicrafts, wooden toys and wood painting and she has been working with us ever since. She still lives in the hostel within the “Naree Moitree” compound where she grew up and is currently receiving a wage of Tk.2000 per month. She has also joined a Saving Scheme provided by Earth Conscious and is saving up to establish her own home. Since this case, we have had a close contact with “Naree Moitree” and hope to help others like Feroza, to stand on their own feet and achieve at least a basic level of independence.
Monira's Story
Monira Akhtar
Ms. Monira Akhtar is 20 years old. She started working for us since September 2007. When we met her, she was suffering from poverty and unemployment having had to drop out of school because she couldn’t pay her fees. We suggested to her parents that she participate in our handicrafts training program so that she could acquire a trade to enable her to support herself and her family. Not only did they whole-heartedly agree to the proposal but her mother also requested to join our program together with two of Monira’s sisters. Monira trained in mirror-work for a full year before starting her employment with us. She is today, the most experienced embroidered greetings card producer in the department. She is currently on a salary of Tk 1500 per month. Monira will attempt to sit her S.S.C examination next year, together with one of her sisters, using part of her income as well as some financial backing from her parents, to pay for her fees. She is currently on a Savings Scheme offered by Earth Conscious to secure her in the future. Her aspirations are to complete her schooling and then help her father to support their family. Out of the eight members of her family, five are currently producing hand embroidered greeting cards for Earth Conscious.