Asha’s world turned upside down when she lost her husband. Her older child was just five years old, and the younger only four. Her husband, a transport truck driver, worked tirelessly to provide for his family. One fateful day, while lifting heavy equipment, he injured his back severely. The injury left him paralyzed and confined to bed. With little money and no access to advanced medical care, Asha watched helplessly as her husband’s condition worsened. Just a few months later, he passed away, leaving her to face an uncertain future alone.
Since that day, Asha has carried the weight of her family on her shoulders. Living in a joint family, her brothers-in-law allowed her and her children to stay in a single room of the family home. Despite the limitations, Asha refused to give up. She worked long hours sewing women’s clothing, but the meager income wasn’t enough to meet her family’s needs. She tried raising cows, but the local breed yielded little, offering no real hope for a stable income.
Her mother, living far away, offered occasional help, but it was barely enough to tide her over through the harsh winters. Even so, Asha persisted. Against all odds, she managed to send her children to school. Today, her daughter, Mansi, is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Applications, and her son, Aryan, is still in school. Yet, despite her unwavering determination, life remains an uphill battle. Asha’s struggle for survival is evident, and though she has achieved so much, the absence of regular income casts a constant shadow over her hopes.
When we first met Asha, we suggested helping her open a tailoring shop on the nearby main road. But Asha, burdened by years of hardship, lacked the confidence to take such a leap. She admitted her hesitation, fearing failure due to her limited experience. Understanding her apprehensions, we looked for a solution that would build on her existing strengths.
Since Living Hope Foundation is developing a farm nearby, we proposed a new idea: providing her with a high-yield hybrid cow capable of producing around 15 liters of milk daily. This would offer her a consistent source of income. When we shared this plan with Asha, her face lit up for the first time in a long while. She loved the idea. She already has space beside her home to house the cow, and this venture felt achievable to her.
Widow’s Hope will supply Asha with the cow, build a shed for it, and provide the initial feed. Since she lives close to a forest, access to fodder shouldn’t be an issue in the long run. This small step has the potential to transform Asha’s life, helping her achieve stability and independence.
We are also exploring ways to support Mansi and Aryan’s education, as we know how vital it is to Asha’s dream of a better future for her children. However, the extent of our support depends on the resources we can gather.
Your partnership can make all the difference. By sharing from your resources, you can help Asha take this step toward a brighter tomorrow. Thank you for standing with us and being part of this incredible community.
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