Hope for Widows
We’ve recently launched a Sewing Micro-Enterprise course in Chillakallu. This course provides widows, the most vulnerable members of society in the developing world, with valuable vocational training in tailoring and home based business skills. Upon graduation, each student receives a sewing machine and may become a self-employed seamstress. As a result of this course, the sense of self dignity and role in community these women once held is restored.
Revathi, age 16
When Revathi was 14 years old she married to a man of her father’s choosing. She was not told much about the man, 25 years of age, or the arrangements that had been made. Revathi tried to refuse, but was forced into the marriage. She was unaware of the fact that her husband was HIV positive at the time. Her in-laws, on the other hand, were well aware of her husband’s condition. Within the first year of her marriage, she became pregnant. Revathi’s sister-in-law attended the delivery, employed as a nurse; she killed the newborn before showing Revathi. A second time, Revathi became pregnant and the baby was aborted at the will of her in-laws. Only after her husband committed suicide in the Krishna River was Revathi told that he was HIV positive. She was tested and found positive as well. Revathi’s in-laws threw her out of their home and onto the street. She returned to her parent’s home where she spent much of her time indoors, in an attempt to escape the gossip and slander of those in the community. Attending IPCC’s Sewing Micro-Enterprise training is a huge step for Revathi. At the young age of sixteen, she is learning not only to sew, but to truly live again. Revathi receives valuable training on our campus and, what’s more, she experiences the love of the Heavenly Father.
Rajiya, age 18
Rajiya was married for just one year. Her husband’s family received Rs. 20,000 ($500 USD) as a dowry, but that soon proved not enough. Rajiya’s mother-in-law forced her to labor in the fields, only to be put out and replaced by another woman with another, more lucrative, dowry. Rajiya now lives with her parents and younger sister. She is also three months pregnant. Rajiya attended a Muslim school up until the 5th grade (the same one her sister studies in). She had no further education or training that would make her eligible for suitable employment. Rajiya’s desire to one day become self-employed and able to truly care for her family will soon be granted. When Rajiya first came to the IPCC campus, it was obvious that she was malnourished and in need of medical attention. Along with providing Rajiya seamstress and home-based business training, IPCC has committed to providing her and her baby with necessary medical treatment throughout her pregnancy and postpartum stage, by way of our Health Care Initiatives. The baby’s sponsorship is being conducted through our House of Hope Orphanage.
Shakila, age 25
Shakila was married to a Muslim man, who worked in the mountains and was an alcoholic. Her husband left her after the birth of their two children, a daughter, now seven years old, and a son, only three months old at the time. Since her husband abandoned her, Shakila’s in-laws have forsaken her and her children as well. She has returned to her parent’s home where her father is the sole breadwinner. In keeping with Muslim tradition, Shakila received no formal schooling beyond the 5th grade or vocational training as a young woman. Shakila is thrilled to discover IPCC’s Sewing Mirco-Enterprise training available in Chillakallu. She is learning more of tailoring and home-based businesses with each new day. Shakila will soon be able to provide for herself and her children. Her daughter, Sabiha, now attends a similar Muslim school where she will receive no more than a 5th grade education. Her son, Sheriff, recently suffered a potentially life threatening condition, but he was able to receive medical treatment because of her new found relationship with the Papabathini’s and IPCC. Shakila is one of many students on our campus also learning about the love of the Heavenly Father and salvation through His Son Jesus Christ.
Women at Risk
Our House of Hope is also home to some of the women at risk in the community. These women are not widows, but rather have abusive, often alcoholic, husbands or have simply been abandon by their husbands. Once identified by IPCC, these women at risk may receive vocational training in tailoring, teaching or computer skills. We may also assist these ladies in starting a small business such as selling saries or vegetables in the village or operating a phone booth.
Gafroon, age 16
Gafroon is a Muslim and the only daughter in her family. When she was three years old, Gafroon’s father left home. All she has been told of him is that he was an abusive alcoholic who cared very little for his family. She attended a Muslim school until the 5th grade and for the past two years has been subjected to continual marriage proposals. Gafroon’s mother is pleased with one prospect, but a dowry of Rs. 2,500 is necessary before things progress. This amount of money is a tremendous burden for Gafroon’s mother. Realizing the severity of her situation, Gafroon began to seek training in a particular trade. She soon discovered the IPCC campus and the seamstress and home-based business training that she was looking for. Gafroon is one of many Muslim women who will receive valuable vocational training through our Sewing Micro-Enterprise – an education that extends beyond the 5th grade and incorporates knowledge of the truth concerning our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Mary, age 25
Mary, married at the age of nineteen, and her husband have a two and a half year old son and a four year old daughter. Her husband has recently taken a temporary position at one of the local factories, while Mary attends IPCC’s Sewing Micro-Enterprise training. Since she arrived on our campus, she has become a learned seamstress and an anointed intercessor. Prior to marriage, Mary was able to study up to the 12th grade and received additional training as a nurse. She still has a great desire to provide health care and believes that she is called to be a nurse. IPCC has recently given Mary the position of Welfare Health Volunteers (WHV) with our Health Care Initiatives. Mary and her husband dream of their children attending an English school and attaining better lives for themselves. We are pleased to partner with Mary and to see that dream become a reality in the years to come.
Adimma, age 22
Adimma is the youngest of four siblings. Her family is poor and is unable to provide the Rs. 2,500 dowry that is needed for her marriage – should the opportunity present itself. She attributes the escape, or dodge, of marriage to her intense devotion to her studies. Adimma displays a natural affection for children and great skill for teaching them. Her dreams of becoming a certified teacher are nearing fulfillment; having earned her Bachelor’s degree, Adimma is awaiting placement and a possible scholarship to continue her education. She has joined IPCC’s Sewing Micro-Enterprise class as a means to valuable vocational training. Adimma will begin teaching the children at our House of Hope Orphanage, as well as continue her work among the street children in Chillakallu.
