"My dreams are my children."
Ujjawala helps a customer try on a bangle in Nagpur, India. © Kim Landy
Kneeling amongst bundles of colourful jewellery, Ujjawala carefully slips bangles onto a customer’s arm. The woman admires them before deciding to make a purchase.
“Everything has changed,” said Ujjawala, about life since she started her jewellery business in Nagpur, India.
Before her market stall, Ujjawala worked as a bus conductor for seven years. But the income wasn’t always enough to meet the needs of her two daughters.
With a loan through Opportunity International Australia, Ujjawala started her own business and can now afford to send her children to school.
“My life is very good. Now I can concentrate on my children and my home,” Ujjawala said.
“My dreams are my children. They want to study so I will educate them and also help them to have a good life.”
Ujjawala sells jewellery and accessories at her market stall. © Kim Landy
“My dreams are my children. They want to study so I will educate them and also help them to have a good life.”
When a family begins to earn an income from their new business, they need somewhere safe to keep it. With no other alternatives, many families living in poverty hide what little money they have at home where it can be stolen or destroyed.
Today, Ujjawala saves a portion of her income in the bank – a secure way to manage her money and plan for the future. Savings also offer her family the freedom to invest in healthcare, housing and education.
Ujjawala wasn’t able to complete high school herself but is determined to give her children the opportunities she missed out on. With her savings, she plans to fund her daughter’s higher education.
Shraddha is currently in college and studying hard for admission into medical school. Determined to succeed, she taught herself English by reading books, but she needs to overcome one crucial challenge.
“I am very scared (of blood) but as I want to become a doctor to help people, I am trying to overcome this fear,” Shraddha said.
Proud of her mother’s business, Shraddha hopes to contribute to it in the future.
“I want to help my mother in expanding her business after becoming a doctor.”
All smiles as a customer browses Ujjawala’s market stall. © Kim Landy
Opportunity is currently reaching more than 6 million families like Ujjawala’s across Asia with small loans.
Thanks to our generous supporters, families living in poverty are empowered to grow their small businesses so their children can live in a safe home, eat better food and go to school.
Learn more about how Opportunity helps families out of poverty